Houston Black Queer Week: Music, Visibility, Hope, Joy
Black Queer AF Week Celebrates Visibility in Houston
Table of Contents
- Black Queer AF Week Celebrates Visibility in Houston
- Black Queer AF Week in Houston: Your Questions Answered
- What is Black Queer AF (BQAF) Week?
- When and where is BQAF Week taking place?
- What is the theme of BQAF Week this year?
- Why is “visibility” an vital theme for BQAF Week?
- What kind of events are planned for BQAF Week?
- What is at the heart of BQAF week?
- Who are the headliners and performers at the music festival?
- What other year-round programs does the Normal Anomaly Initiative offer?
- How has BQAF Week grown over time?
Houston will host a week-long celebration of black queer culture, kicking off Saturday and running through May 4. Black Queer AF (BQAF) Week, organized by the Normal Anomaly initiative, will feature music, dance, drag performances, and other events.
Theme of Visibility
This year’s theme is “visibility,” a crucial focus given current challenges, according to Ian L. Haddock, founder and executive director of the Normal Anomaly Initiative.
“We need visibility,” Haddock said, noting the current political climate. “our visibility is not for people who try to silence us.It’s for people who are afraid – to see that we are still there.”
A growing Celebration
The Normal anomaly Initiative, established in 2021, launched it’s first Black queer event that same year. What began as a one-day music festival has evolved into a week-long celebration, drawing approximately 3,000 attendees.
Music at the Heart of BQAF Week
Music remains central to BQAF Week. The music festival, scheduled for May 3 from 2 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Stampede Houston, will be headlined by rapper and singer-songwriter JT, a vocal LGBTQ+ ally. Other performers include Asher Havon, a former winner on The Voice; Kentheman, recognized on XXL magazine’s 2022 list of top freshman rappers; M BQAF; SEVNDEEP; and R&B singer Jeronelle.
Additional Events
The week’s schedule includes a variety of events:
- Female Sneaker Ball: Saturday, 8 p.m. at the Ballroom Zoe.
- Pull on Your Snapshot: An exploration of relationships with Gays Meet coach Lamont White, Tuesday, 7 p.m.at the Montrose Center.
- BQAF Drag University Graduation: Thursday, 7 p.m. at Play Nightlife.
- Mic Check, Y’All: A Communications & Media Training Workshop: Led by Paris Kissell of Bekind comms, May 2, noon at 2310 Arbor St.
- Welcome Reception: May 2, 8 p.m. at Shasespace.
- VIP Yacht Party and Brunch: Galveston Bay, with music by DJ Panda, may 4, 11 a.m.
While the yacht party is sold out, tickets are still available for other events, many of which are free.
Restoring Hope and Joy
Haddock emphasizes the importance of BQAF Week in the face of attacks on Black, queer, and other marginalized communities. He views these attacks as “really an attack on hope and joy,” and sees the week as a means to restore those feelings.
Beyond entertainment, the week aims to foster activism and empowerment. Discussions on marriage and intimacy,marriage equality,and the importance of HIV testing and Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) for cisgender and transgender women will be incorporated into various events.
Year-Round Support
Throughout the year, the Normal Anomaly Initiative provides various programs, including Project Liberate, which assists participants in launching businesses; Drag University, a program for both novice and experienced drag performers; health support services, including HIV testing; and the Transgender Allyship Collective, which partners with organizations to train companies and elected officials on allyship.
“We were a bit sheltered in Houston becuase it is a more liberal space than Texas as a whole,” Haddock said.
Haddock’s Personal Connection
Haddock, a Black queer man, connects the current challenges faced by the community to his own experiences. he was expelled from his home at 16 for being queer.At 18, he recalls sitting outside a Black ball, unable to enter due to age restrictions, but feeling “seen” for the first time by the presence of other Black and brown queer individuals.
BQAF Week aims to provide that same sense of visibility and belonging to many within the community.
For event details and ticket information, visit [website address].
Black Queer AF Week in Houston: Your Questions Answered
What is Black Queer AF (BQAF) Week?
BQAF Week is a week-long celebration of Black queer culture held in Houston, Texas. Organized by the Normal Anomaly Initiative,it features a variety of events including music,dance,adn drag performances,with the aim of fostering visibility and community among Black queer individuals.
When and where is BQAF Week taking place?
BQAF Week kicks off on Saturday and runs through May 4th in Houston, Texas. The provided content lists several venues for various events; however the exact date of the event is only specified as begining on Saturday but could be any Saturday between 2024 and now.
What is the theme of BQAF Week this year?
The theme of BQAF week is “visibility,” emphasizing the importance of being seen and recognized within the current social and political climate.
Why is “visibility” an vital theme for BQAF Week?
According to Ian L. Haddock, founder and executive director of the Normal Anomaly Initiative, visibility is crucial for the Black queer community, particularly in light of current challenges. The visibility serves as a beacon of hope and joy, providing a sense of community and belonging for the Black queer community, letting them know “we are still there.”
What kind of events are planned for BQAF Week?
BQAF Week offers a diverse range of events,these include:
- Female Sneaker Ball
- “Pull on Your Snapshot” workshop
- BQAF Drag University Graduation
- “Mic Check,Y’all” Communications & Media Training Workshop
- Welcome Reception
- VIP Yacht Party and Brunch
- Music Festival
What is at the heart of BQAF week?
The music at the heart of BQAF. A music festival is set to take place on May 3.
Who are the headliners and performers at the music festival?
The music festival will be headlined by JT, a rapper and singer-songwriter who is a vocal LGBTQ+ ally. Other performers include Asher Havon, Kentheman, M BQAF, SEVNDEEP, and Jeronelle.
What other year-round programs does the Normal Anomaly Initiative offer?
The normal Anomaly Initiative provides several year-round programs including: Project Liberate, Drag University, health support services (such as HIV testing), and the Transgender Allyship Collective.
How has BQAF Week grown over time?
The normal Anomaly Initiative began in 2021 with its first Black queer event. What started as a one-day music festival has expanded into a week-long celebration, attracting approximately 3,000 attendees.
For event details and ticket information,visit [website address].