By Frankie EdozienAfrican-American gays and lesbians aren't always visible in traditional gay destinations.
In fact, on any given summer day, black gay presence barely registers at gay resorts like Fire Island, Provincetown or Palm Springs.
Times are changing though, with events for African-American gay men and lesbians growing in popularity. The most prominent of these are big Pride events in urban areas boasting a large concentration of black lesbians and gay men.
DC's on Fire
Sixteen years ago, three Washington, D.C. locals decided to hold a HIV-awareness fundraiser which they billed the "children's hour" in their hometown. It has grown into a huge event, FIRE 2006 (www.dcblackPride.org) held at City Center Hotel (1143 New Hampshire Ave. NW, Washington, D.C.; 202-775-0800; $109-$139). Scheduled for May 26-29, it's expected to exceed 21,000 attendees.
The first was "a modest event: 800 people came, and from that it grew to the event now where we have thousands of attendees," said Earl Fowlkes, the former president of DC Black Pride (www.dcblackPride.org).
"It's really less of a party and more of a community-building exercise," Fowlkes said, adding that for many, the event is the first step into the larger gay world and a safe space to be. It also pumps over $1 million into city coffers.
As time went by, the event was replicated in many cities, and black Pride events have become a year-round phenomenon.
March on Atlanta
By the time Labor Day rolls around, guys and girls are headed south to Atlanta -- already boasting one of the most vibrant black gay scenes in the country -- for In the Life (www.inthelifeatl.com), the area's annual black Gay Pride, celebrating its 10th anniversary in 2006. Stay at the host hotel, Sheraton Colony Square (188 14th St. Northeast; 866-912-1171; $89-$133).
"It's last gasp before the summer is over, so they drive in, and they fly in," Fowlkes said.
Meanwhile, on the West Coast
Sandwiched between these two events on the calendar is a huge black Pride event during Fourth of July weekend in Malibu, Calif. Afro Sole 2006 (323-293-4ATB; www.atbla.com), scheduled June 30-July 3, beckons a large crowd of black gay men and lesbians.
In 2000, many of the organizers banded together to form the International Federation of Black Prides (www.ifbPrides.org), with celebrations kicking off in Philadelphia (www.phillyblackPride.org) in April and concluding in New Orleans (www.neworleansblackPride.com) in November.
Miami sizzles
But it's not just Pride that brings black gays out to big cities. Many people who've done Pride now just take their vacation to party with like-minded gay men. Enter Miami's Sizzle (www.sizzle2006.com) held May 25-29 at the Hyatt Regency Miami (400 S.E. Second St.; 954/455-3394; $119), a circuit party like no other. It's a five-day extravaganza with parties, luaus, poolside dances and other parties, with everyone grooving to hip-hop, R&B; and oldies.
The first event was in 2002, at a time when Miami offered gay blacks a trove of hip-hop music outlets -- though all underground. It was time for a change. "Miami was becoming more progressive, and the beach has a lot to offer," said Sizzle organizer Dwight Powell.
"We started to produce a nice quality event for black gay men," Powell said, estimating that 15,000 out-of-town revelers attended Sizzle events last year. In between the frolicking are HIV awareness workshops and testing.
The event was so popular that pop singer Beyoncé Knowles was spotted grooving with gay pals at last year' bash. While Sizzle has been a guy thing, many have come with their girlfriends who ended up asking, "Where are the ladies' events?"
This year's Sizzle will have five days of women-only parties as well. More information can be found at www.sizzleher.com.
The winter sizzles, too
Even before the Pride party season begins in earnest, there are two winter events in February specifically for gay black travelers.
Denver Meltdown: Gay Black Ski Week (www.denvermeltdown.com) held at the Grand Hyatt (1750 Welton St., Denver, Colo.; 303-295-1234, code sizz; $119), scheduled Feb 17-20, is expected to bring 1,000 people to the Mile High City for skiing on the slopes and dancing in the city.
For the 12th year in a row, many will return to New York's Catskills for Winter Explosion 2006 (www.winterexplosion.com) featuring a concert by chanteuse Faith Evans. The event is held at Hudson Valley Resort & Spa (400 Granite Rd., Kerhonkson, N.Y.) Feb. 17-20. The weekend rate begins at $400 and includes bus transportation from major cities.
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