For Immediate Release

New York, NY — March 26, 2024 — The Black Pride Network (BPN), a groundbreaking nonprofit organization, proudly announces its official formation and invitation for members. BPN’s mission is to promote Black, Brown, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC), Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, and Intersex (LGBTQIA+) Pride on an international level. For BPN, we define Pride as living authentically, celebrating together, building community, and creating an equitable future. We are committed to fostering unity, education, and engagement within our vibrant community.

BPN Founder Richard Brethour-Bell had the following statement about the formation of this new organization, “I started the Black Pride Network because after having the opportunity to sit on local, regional, national and international Pride boards (The Human Rights Alliance (HRA) of Santa Fe, NM past President; Consolidated Association of Prides (CAPI) Vice President; Co-Founder and Treasurer of United States Association of Prides (USAP); and currently InterPride’s Vice President of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging, and Co-Chair of the Human Rights & Diversity Committee), I noticed a lack of enthusiasm for the promotion of anti-racism and social justice focused programming. I also noticed that many Prides of color didn’t feel included in national and international Pride organizations. That’s why we created BPN. Prides of color can feel a sense of community. We can talk about issues that make some larger and predominantly white Prides feel uncomfortable. BPN’s pillars include building Awareness, creating Community, and delivering Education (ACE).” 

The Black Pride Network is thrilled to announce this significant milestone in the ongoing journey towards unity, empowerment, and celebration within the Black community. Founded on the principles of solidarity, advocacy, and inclusivity, the Black Pride Network aims to provide a platform where individuals of Queer People of Color (QPOC) can come together to celebrate their heritage, promote social justice, and foster positive change.

The Black Pride Network recognizes the diversity and richness of the Black experience. It seeks to amplify the voices of all members of the QPOC community, regardless of gender identity, sexual orientation, or background, by embracing and celebrating the unique intersections of identity within the Black diaspora, the network endeavors to create a vibrant and inclusive space for dialogue, collaboration, and collective action.

As part of its launch, the Black Pride Network invites individuals who share its vision and values to join the community. The Black Pride Network welcomes you to become a member and contribute to building a stronger, more united community. “We are so excited to launch this new network bringing together Queer People of Color to showcase the power of collective action,” says BPN Co-Founder Dr. Ryan A. Starzyk.

As a BPN member, you can access exclusive events, resources, and opportunities to make a difference. We have multiple membership options for nonprofits, individuals, students, government entities, and businesses. We invite everyone in our QPOC community and our allies to join us in this vital work. Some of the membership benefits include:

• Networking | Join us for monthly virtual networking with other members to discuss what’s happening in your region and how we can support each other. You will also be able to access a discount on our future conferences.

• Grants | BPN Members are eligible for one of our grants that help elevate our QPOC community. The grant programs will focus on Activism, Education, Innovation, and Engagement.

• Exposure | BPN Members will receive exposure on social media, gain a website presence, be invited to submit blog posts, and more! As a member, we will post about your membership on numerous digital outlets and invite you to appear on our official podcast, Perspectives.

Learn more about BPN at www.blackpridenetwork.org and our membership options at www.blackpridenetwork.org/membership.

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To learn more about the Black Pride Network, please visit www.blackpridenetwork.org or follow us on Instagram | Threads | LinkedIn | X (formerly Twitter) | Facebook | TikTok | YouTube.

Let’s celebrate our pride, uplift our voices, and create a world where Black and LGBTQIA+ communities thrive. Together, we are the Black Pride Network.

For media inquiries, please contact:

Dr. Ryan A. Starzyk, Co-Founder, Vice President, Black Pride Network, ryan@blackpridenetwork.org | +14805161922

About Black Pride Network: The Black Pride Network is a nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting BIPOC and LGBTQIA+ Pride on an international level. Our mission is to unite, educate, and engage our community. Through advocacy, education, and collaboration, the network seeks to create a supportive and inclusive space where individuals of the QPOC community can thrive and effect positive change. Founded on the principles of solidarity and resilience, the Black Pride Network is committed to advancing social justice and equality for all members of the Black diaspora. Learn more at Black Pride Network.

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