The black LGBT pride began as a result of the gay black minority community in the United States feeling marginalized and less a part of the whole gay community in participation, organization and administration. There was also the factor of socio-cultural differences that prevented the sub-community in full participation in the gay movement.
The Black Gay pride was born out of a small number of friends in Los Angeles in 1988, later to be known as ATB ("at the beach"). They understood, as gay men, the strong rejection from the larger black community, due to tight family structure, cultural and religious factors. Though the greater black community refused to include them, these gay men yearned to celebrate and enjoy their identity as black gay men. They hosted a small gathering in Malibu Point Dune beach, several miles away from the LA metropolis, in a place almost hidden from the public. This gathering was a huge success and thus began a movement for the black gay pride.
The Black Gay prides today have metamorphosed into well-organized events that unite and bring together black lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender people to celebrate both their African heritage and sexual orientation. Most major cities in the U.S. host an annual Black Gay pride event.
International Federation of Black Prides
The International Federation of Black Prides is a coalition of Black gay pride organizers formed to promote a multinational network of LGBT/SGL (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender/Same Gender Loving) Prides and community-based organizations.
The International Federation of Black Prides was organized during DC Black Pride of May 1999 by a coalition of Black Pride organizers representing Chicago, North Carolina, New York City, Atlanta, Detroit, Minneapolis, and Washington, DC. The coalition saw a need to organize the twenty plus Black Prides in the United States and abroad for the purpose of developing sponsorship strategies, providing technical assistance, networking, mentoring, and supporting one another. IFBP acquired its IRS 501(c)(3) non-profit status in November 2004.