As summer continues to roll on, the temperature continues to rise. That will certainly be the case this weekend with the annual Hotter Than July! picnic in Detroit. The picnic is part of a weeklong series of events celebrating black gay pride. What makes the event even more special is that Detroit’s black gay pride is the oldest in the Midwest.
Metro Detroit has always had a diverse and creative African-American community. From Motown to Menjo’s, we’ve been on the frontlines of what’s innovative. The events surrounding black gay pride are an extension of that legacy. While a lot of progress still has to be made in regards to the LGBT community and civil rights, there is much to celebrate!
Supporting the LGBT community is part a long tradiation at the ACLU dating back to 1937. That year, the the national office took a case opposing censorship of the play “The Children’s Hour,” which included a lesbian character. And once again, we’re proud to stand alongside an event with an equally impressive history.
So come celebrate this history with us. The picnic is Saturday, July, 25 at Palmer Park in Detroit. If you’re planning on attending the picnic be sure to stop by the ACLU table and say hello. You’ll even get a chance to take a picture with a familiar face -- Lady Liberty.
Showing your pride is a great way to beat the summer heat, especially when it's Hotter Than July.
By Roland Leggett, ACLU of Michigan Field Organizer