For some, the conversation is still “why have a black gay pride?” Some see it as a “separation” from the OTHER pride. Well, I’ve said it before, just give me my cocktail and I’m celebrating ALL of them…Latino pride, Asian, etc. All of them! Actually, it’s not about “this pride vs. that pride”, how about redirect your mentality to “celebrate this pride AND that pride”. Honey, now more than ever the entire community needs to stick together, as we have been under attack lately. Remember, strength comes from unity. But back to my report!
Ok so I learned a long time ago that a very small group of gay black folks got together and felt the need to celebrate OUR history and experiences as being black and gay in America. They did it again the following year and more people came, press repeat for the next couple of years and then BAM, it became what it is today! There are still events that you can attend that talk about our history AND give you all the answers. But for this particular article, I’m going to shamelessly zoom in on where to find all the sexy hot chocolate and hottest parties to go to. I decided to get my answers from one of Atlanta’s hottest leading party/club promotional groups known as WassUpNAtl, who by the way are also celebrating their 10 years of service this year.
Right now I’m having lunch with the leader and CEO of WassUpNATL at a new and gay owned restaurant called Redmanz that’s located right across the street from the very fishy Aquarium of Downtown, Atlanta.
First of all congrats on the 10 year anniversary! I saw all the events you’re doing this year online. Let’s start with this new restaurant, which event are you doing here and when?
Well we’re doing TWO events here. The first one is a Gospel Sunday Brunch from 11am- 3pm, Sept. 2nd. It’s an opportunity for African American men to get together to fellowship in a spiritual ‘gospel-music-in-the-background’ atmosphere.
Well Amen! Tell us about some of the big name artists you’ve brought to this city and who you have planned this year?
Oh man, we’ve had some of EVERYBODY at our events, like Kelly Rowland, Lil Kim, Fantasia—
Yes ma’am for Fantasia! I heard you were having her again THIS year! Where?
It’ll be that Saturday, Sept 1st at a venue call The Nest.
Can’t wait. Okay now let’s talk about all those porn stars you’re bringing in. How many again?
20 Porn Stars, 10 male models, and 30 male dancers! Tink from T&T Productions, Thomas from Guaranteed Entertainment and Philip from Flava works as a team with us to make it all happen.
As you reflect back over the 10 years of running your promotions group, name just ONE of the things you’re most proud of for WASSUPNATL’s role in Black Gay Pride celebrations?
I believe we are trend setters. We were one of the firsts to start bringing in big name artists to Black Gay Pride and we’re first in just about everything we do, I’ve seen others try to duplicate. I’m also proud to say that after 10 years, we have branched out of Atlanta. You can go anywhere in the country now and you’ll hear people say “Oh yeah we heard of them, I got a t-shirt, I got a tank top, a dog tag…I been to their parties”. So I’m very grateful to go from being local to national.
Check out their fun events! ALL THE EVENTS ARE ONLY $10 (For More Info: 404.246.9000 or visit www.wassupnatl.com)
And don’t forget to look at our in depth Black Pride Calendar in this issue for the rundown on ALL the events!
UNTIL next week, DON’T read the girls, instead read The Brent Star Report!
