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The Black Gay Men's Network

"Black gay men supporting black gay men"

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Mission Statement

The Black Gay Men’s Network draws its strength from Black gay men around the world who are committed to creating soulful, loving connections with other black gay men to transform our society, improve our health status, and make the social change we seek. The Network is a community of successful black gay men who unite their collective expertise, vision and creativity to provide leadership within the Black gay community and society at large. Our goals are
ambitious, but attainable, and worthy of our ancestors’ sacrifice.

Who are we?

The Black Gay Men’s Network is a product of the Black AIDS Institute’s Gay Men’s Retreat originated by its founder Phil Wilson and other Black gay men close to the Institute who saw the need to build the individual and collective power of Black gay men as resources to ensure the survival of the Black community. The Network is committed to promoting the active participation of
self-actualized Black Gay Men in all aspects of community life. To accomplish this, the Network is made up of brothers supporting brothers coming together to create opportunities for career development, social connection, loving relationships, and educational outreach. The Network provides skills-building in
leadership development, financial wealth, physical and mental health, and spiritual wellness.

Why we exist?

For many of our brothers, living and thriving as a black gay man can be a challenging endeavor when stigma and discrimination continue to affect our reality. Arguably, the relative invisibility of successful, healthy, black gay men available to young brothers struggling with their identity exacerbates the problems of integration, and visibility that we face. The Network provides professional, social and educational resources to men at various stages of life who are seeking a healthy community, peers and role models for success. The Network offers an environment of acceptance, professional development, social engagement, accessible information and training tools for black men to enhance their lives and enrich their spirits.

How will we accomplish this?

Each man in The Network comes to self-acceptance and empowerment in his own way and in his own time. But each of us is invested in ensuring that the next generation of black gay men has the benefit of our wisdom, experiences and judgment to use for their benefit. The Network creates social, business and educational environments for Black gay men that engender pride and wellness instead of reinforcing clichés of objectification and dysfunction. The Network seeks to bridge relationships between private industry, public and private philanthropy and our black, grassroots, not-for-profit, community-based organizations committed to enhancing our civil rights, social justice, physical, social, and professional well-being. Accordingly, members are expected to add to the synergy of The Network by offering their unique perspectives, personal talents and professional skills in creating our new paradigm: gay black men supporting gay black men.

How can you join The Network?

Membership to The Network is by invitation only. If you do not know a member, you may email your request for membership to Jonte’ Lee. In your message include some brief information about yourself and why you seek membership.