Pride 2025: California’s Black LGBTQ+ Community Unites Against Rising Hate Through History and Solidarity

Natasha Hooper, a poet and event facilitator based in San Diego, is celebrating LGBTQ+ Pride Month by paying homage to Black historical figures who have often been sidelined by the wider LGBTQ+ community. She aims to unite with fellow African Americans and strengthen community ties, particularly as LGBTQ+ individuals encounter increased hostility and diminishing rights. Hooper and her friends intend to participate in Pride festivities that uplift Black people, such as picnics, pool parties, and music events. Reflecting on her journey, she noted the importance of recognizing Black history within the LGBTQ+ community. Recent research indicates that 12% of LGBTQ+ individuals experience hate more frequently than the general Californian populace. While companies are reassessing their support amid political shifts, Black LGBTQ+ Californians remain resolute in amplifying their voices and honoring their lineage. Events like Los Angeles Black Pride and the Soul of Pride in San Francisco stand testament to this commitment.