The State Of Black Gay America (SBGA) 2007

The 1st Annual Black Gay America (SBGA) took place on Saturday, September 1, 2007, at The Renaissance Atlanta Hotel-Downtown, and covered a wide range of topics. The SBGA 2007 featured a distinguished panel of presenters from a variety of backgrounds.

Economic Development for LGBT People of Color
The speakers presented information regarding economic development as it relates specifically to LGBT People of Color. The speakers addressed our role and responsibilities for improving our economic status and ensuring a strong economic future in a society of racism, discrimination and homophobia.

Health Disparities among LGBT People of Color (Reproductive Health, Lesbian Health, Gay Men’s Health
HIV/AIDS, Mental Health
The speakers presented an overview of the health challenges facing the LGBT People of Color community. The presentation included data specific to this demographic along with programs and strategies that have been successful in closing gaps. The presentation also addressed options for having children and raising them in a homophobic world. The speakers presented information that focuses on problems and concerns specific to LGBT People of Color as well as best practices for decreasing health disparities and improving our overall understanding of the health system within the U.S.

Politics and LGBT People of Color
The speakers presented information specific to the importance developing a stronger political base for LGBT People of Color on both a local and national level. The presentation placed emphasis on the National Election of 2008 and focused on candidates most favorable to the LGBT community and site examples of successful organizing for election outcomes.

Black Trans America
The speakers presented information that educates the gay community about issues and challenges facing transgender individuals. The speakers further discussed how the two communities can work together and site examples where successful partnerships have been accomplished. The presentation focused on creating more effective dialogue between the transgender community and LGBT People of Color.

Faith and Religion
The speakers presented information specific to issues facing LGBT People of Color in the church and other faith communities. The presentation sited examples of what some individuals have done to sustain their faith when faced with rejection from the church. The speakers facilitated a discussion with respect to Liberating Theology and it’s inclusion of the LGBT community. The presentation enlightened the audience on issues/challenges of the LGBT community and the Church.

Securing the future of LGBT People of Color Over 50
The speakers presented information specific to LGBT People of Color over 50. The presentation addressed how individuals can best secure their future and how maintain their quality of life at retirement age. The speaker discussed an array of issues relevant to aging. Over 50, time to start planning. The speaker facilitated a discussion on issues relevant to aging and how LGBT People of Color must carve out a place for themselves as seniors including legal implications of wills, family disputes, death of a partner, etc.

Preserving our Youth
The speakers presented information specific to LGBT People of Color between the ages of 16-21. The speakers further sited examples of what gay youth are doing to contribute to the community. What Black gay youth want their elders to know? What LGBT People of Color need to know about Gay youth, their needs, wants and desires?