by Chloe Collyer
Despite a historic heatwave and serious security concerns, this year's Taking B(l)ack Pride event continued on with huge success. On one of Seattle's hottest days ever, hundreds gathered at Jimmy Hendrix Park to celebrate Pride Month, and specifically the contributions of BIPOC people in the LGBTQ rights movement, hence the name Taking B(l)ack Pride.
The event has become a nationally trending topic after disputes around a request for a reparation-based entrance fee system. But nothing could have stopped the second annual Taking B(l)ack Pride event. Black performers showed no sign of heat exhaustion while on stage and continued well after the sun set.
"I felt like I was at Brooklyn again at AfroPunk," says one performer.
Event organizers plan on returning next year.
Chloe Collyer (they/them) is a Seattle-born photographer, photojournalist, and photo educator whose work is deeply connected to the history and marginalized communities of the Pacific Northwest. For the past decade, Chloe has taught photography to youth while freelancing for local and national editorial clients.
Featured Image: A group of Black masc queers pose for a photo at Taking B(l)ack Pride. (Photo: Chole Collyer)
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