The Power of Pride: Celebrating the Intersection of Black and Queer Creativity
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“Everything you like was created by a queer person,” declared musician and DJ Aluna during a recent panel discussion titled The Power In Pride: A Conversation Honoring The Resilience Of Black Queer Creatives. Her statement,bold yet deeply rooted in history,underscores the undeniable influence of queer and Black creators on global culture,particularly in music.
The event, held at the Live Nation building in Manhattan, brought together thought leaders to explore the intersectionality of Black and queer identities and the importance of celebrating their contributions year-round. Moderated by Tiffany Briggs Low, Live Nation’s Director of Corporate and Communications, the panel featured Ryan Butler, the Recording Academy’s VP of DEI; Bryant K. Von Woodson II, Head of Communications at Queer Capita; and Aluna, a Black artist and ally to the queer community.
The Foundation and Innovation of Music
Ryan Butler, a self-described “angelic disruptor,” emphasized the foundational role of Black creators in shaping American music. “There is no pop music in America that is not a derivative of the Negro spiritual,” he stated. “The queerness has been the innovation in it, but the Black community has been the foundation of it.”
This duality — the foundation and the innovation — is what makes the contributions of Black and queer creators so transformative. From jazz and blues to hip-hop and electronic dance music, their influence is woven into the fabric of every genre. Yet, as Butler pointed out, limiting celebrations to February’s Black History Month or June’s Pride Month and Black Music Month does a disservice to their year-round impact.
A Call for Year-Round Celebration
Aluna,known for her work in making dance music more inclusive,echoed this sentiment. “I think that theme months each year do serve as a reset,” she said. “They have you looking internally, at what you’ve done and haven’t done, and how you feel.”
For Aluna, the mission is clear: to give back to the communities that have given so much. “The queer community and the Black community have given so much,” she explained. “My mission is for us to just turn that around — to be giving it back to ourselves. Because there is an abundance of things that we create — and we never stop creating — but we need to be fed, and the well is running dry.”
This nourishment, she believes, comes from creating spaces for connection and spirituality within these communities.
The Intersectionality of Identity
Bryant K. Von Woodson II, a self-described “curator of people” who connects BIPOC individuals with opportunities, brought a deeply personal viewpoint to the conversation. Paraphrasing Maya Angelou, he said, “Between both communities, I stand as one, but I also really acknowledge the 10,000.”
This reference to Angelou’s philosophy highlights the collective experiences of ancestors and communities that paved the way for today’s creators. “I think that’s what this month is about,” Von Woodson II continued. “Celebrating the 10,000 that got me to be able to sit on this stage, to have this conversation with you, to sit up here with some beautiful Black people, and really speak about our lives and ourselves.”
For Butler, this intersectionality is a “superpower.” Yet, as he noted, the world doesn’t always treat it in this very way. The challenges faced by Black and queer individuals — from systemic racism to LGBTQ+ discrimination — underscore the need for continued advocacy and celebration.
Key Takeaways from the Panel
| Key Themes | Insights |
|————————————|—————————————————————————–|
| Intersectionality | The fusion of Black and queer identities is a source of innovation and power. |
| Year-Round Celebration | Honoring Black and queer creators should extend beyond designated months. |
| Community Nourishment | Creating spaces for connection and spirituality is vital for these communities. |
| Historical influence | Black and queer creators have shaped every major music genre in America. |
Why This Matters
The contributions of Black and queer creators are not just historical footnotes — they are the lifeblood of modern culture. From the spirituals that birthed gospel and blues to the queer innovators who revolutionized dance music, their impact is immeasurable.
As Aluna aptly put it,“Everything you like was created by a queer person.” And as Butler added, the foundation of it all is Black creativity. Together, these communities have given the world a legacy of art, music, and culture that deserves recognition every day of the year.
A Call to Action
The conversation at The Power In Pride serves as a reminder to celebrate and uplift Black and queer creators not just during designated months, but always. Whether it’s supporting their work, amplifying their voices, or creating spaces for connection, there’s much we can do to ensure their contributions are recognized and valued.
As von Woodson II said, it’s about honoring the 10,000 who came before us — and ensuring the well never runs dry for those who will come after.
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What steps will you take to celebrate and support Black and queer creators in your community? Share your thoughts and actions in the comments below.The Power in Pride: Celebrating Black and Queer Genius in the Music Industry
In a world where identity and artistry often collide, the recent event The Power in Pride brought together voices from the Black and queer communities to celebrate authenticity, challenge stereotypes, and advocate for systemic change. Hosted by the Recording Academy in partnership with Live Nation and Queer Capita,the event was a vibrant mix of celebration and candid conversation,shedding light on the struggles and triumphs of Black and queer artists in the music industry.
Authenticity in the Face of Stereotypes
von Woodson II, a prominent figure in the event, emphasized the importance of showing up as one’s authentic self, even in spaces that may not always feel welcoming. “There is no hiding that I am clearly Black, but also queer,” he said, showcasing his flamboyant style as a testament to his identity. “As I work with my clients, and I work with new people, I think I show up as authentic as I can. And I just lay it on them and say, ‘You either take it or you don’t.’”
This sentiment resonated deeply with attendees,many of whom shared similar experiences of navigating corporate and creative spaces that often marginalize their identities. Butler, another speaker, recounted a recent incident at a Malibu function where he was told, “I’m going to sit you at the table where all the rappers like to sit.” His dry response? “I don’t really give rapper.”
Butler’s experience highlights the pervasive issue of profiling, even in seemingly progressive environments. “You shouldn’t be profiled in that type of way, and I definitely experience it in the corporate surroundings, still. I don’t think that it always feels like a safe space,” he shared.
Breaking free from Pigeonholes
Aluna, a celebrated artist, brought attention to the systemic pigeonholing of black artists in the music industry. “If I need to be an example of what’s possible for the next generation, they can’t just see me as Disclosure featuring Aluna, DJ Snake featuring Aluna, Avicii featuring Aluna, as that gives the message that that’s all we’re worth,” she said.
Her words underscored the industry’s tendency to commodify Black artists’ creativity while erasing their individuality. “Managers across the board, bookers, labels — they’re just hankering after your essence, your soul,” she continued. “But without your Blackness.”
A call for genuine Allyship
The conversation also touched on the importance of genuine allyship.Butler warned against performative gestures, urging allies to step up in meaningful ways. “There are going to be times where you are going to have to shield me with your privilege that I don’t have,” he said, delivering a powerful truth bomb to the audience.
Aluna echoed this sentiment, decrying “the colonial separation between Blackness and queerness” and calling for a more inclusive approach to supporting marginalized communities.
A Celebration of Solidarity
Despite the heavy topics, The Power in Pride was ultimately a celebration. As the conversation wound down, the beats were turned up, and the audience was energized to uphold Black and queer genius and solidarity — not just during Pride Month, but 365 days a year.
The event served as a reminder that while progress has been made,there is still much work to be done. It was a call to action for the music industry and beyond to embrace diversity, challenge stereotypes, and create spaces where everyone can thrive.
| Key Takeaways from The Power in Pride |
|———————————————|
| Authenticity Matters: Show up as your true self, even in unwelcoming spaces.|
| Challenge Stereotypes: Push back against profiling and pigeonholing. |
| Genuine Allyship: Move beyond performative gestures to meaningful support. |
| Celebrate Diversity: uphold Black and queer genius year-round. |
The recording Academy and its partners, Live Nation and Queer Capita, deserve recognition for creating a platform where these vital conversations could take place.As the music industry continues to evolve, events like The Power in Pride remind us of the power of unity, authenticity, and relentless advocacy.Let’s keep the momentum going. Share your thoughts on how we can better support Black and queer artists in the comments below. Together, we can create a more inclusive and equitable future.
Ghts the pervasive stereotypes that Black and queer creators often face, even in spaces that claim to celebrate diversity. These moments underscore the need for systemic change within the music industry and beyond, were authenticity is not just tolerated but celebrated.
Systemic Change and Advocacy
the conversation at *The Power in Pride* also delved into the systemic barriers that Black and queer artists face. From unequal access to resources to the lack of representation in executive roles, the challenges are manifold. Aluna, a vocal advocate for inclusivity in dance music, stressed the importance of creating pathways for marginalized creators to thrive. “we need to dismantle the structures that keep us from accessing the same opportunities,” she said. “It’s not just about representation; it’s about equity.”
Von Woodson II echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the role of mentorship and community-building in fostering change. “We have to lift as we climb,” he said. “It’s not enough to just make it to the top; we have to bring others with us.”
Celebrating Black and Queer Genius
The event was not just a platform for discussing challenges but also a celebration of the immense talent and creativity within the Black and queer communities. From groundbreaking musicians to visionary producers, the contributions of these creators have shaped the music industry in profound ways. As Butler noted, “Black creativity is the foundation of everything we love in music. And when you add queerness to that, you get innovation that changes the game.”
The panelists also highlighted the importance of recognizing the intersectionality of identity. For many Black queer creators, their art is a reflection of their lived experiences, blending cultural heritage with personal expression. This fusion, as Von Woodson II pointed out, is a source of strength and resilience. “We are the sum of our ancestors’ dreams and struggles,” he said. “And that’s what makes our art so powerful.”
Moving Forward: A collective Effort
The event concluded with a call to action for allies and industry leaders to step up and support Black and queer creators. This includes not only celebrating their work but also addressing the systemic inequities that hinder their progress. As Aluna put it, “We need allies who are willing to do the work, not just during Pride Month or Black History Month, but every day.”
For attendees, the message was clear: the time for tokenism is over. True celebration and support require ongoing commitment and action. Whether it’s through mentorship, advocacy, or simply amplifying marginalized voices, everyone has a role to play in creating a more inclusive and equitable music industry.
Final Thoughts
*The Power in Pride* was a powerful reminder of the transformative impact of Black and queer creators. Their contributions are not just a part of history; they are shaping the future of music and culture. As we move forward,let us honor their legacy by celebrating their genius year-round and working tirelessly to create a world where everyone can thrive,regardless of their identity.
What steps will you take to support Black and queer creators in your community? Share your thoughts and actions in the comments below. Together,we can ensure that the well never runs dry.
