On Feb. 22, Galaei will be producing its inaugural Black BDSM event, which according to the organization’s press release, will be “a recognition of black and brown community members and their contributions in the communities that they thrive in and navigate.”
Black BDSM is an aspect of Galaei’s POP Wellness Program, which promotes health and wellness through services and care to community members at risk of HIV infection. Black BDSM is intended to help raise health awareness in the Black and Brown communities by addressing safe sex practices, destigmatization, education and testing. It also acknowledges the contributions that the Black Leather/Rubber/Kink community has made — and continues to make — in the ongoing effort to promote wellness.
Black and Latino people remain at higher levels of vulnerability to HIV transmission. According to the Associated Press, infection rates for the general population has dropped 23% from 2012 to 2022, however, further studies have shown that the rate of decline for Latinos has been significantly less than for other groups. Additionally, African-Americans continue to have the highest rate of HIV infection in the U.S.
One big problem talked about by health providers in providing HIV care to Black and Latino people is stigmatization of all matters sexual, particularly sexual practices outside the mainstream. Too often, people are too embarrassed or ashamed to be open about their sexual practices with their health-care providers or educators, increasing their risk of infection. This is why sex positivity will be a primary goal of Black BDSM.
Sex positivity is defined as “operating with the topics of human sexuality, health and pleasure with respect and affirmation.”
In their press release, Galaei Executive Director Tyrell Brown explained the importance of sex positivity in their work.
“At Galaei we use the framework of sex positivity in order to support the setting of healthy sexual boundaries such as consent and the employment of safer sex practices when needed,” Brown said.
In the press release, Diamond Anthony — Galaei spokesperson and current Mx. Philadelphia Leather — noted how stigma can have a negative impact on communities.
“In particular, stigma has too often been attached to expression in our community, sometimes this fosters silence and paralyzes important conversations about the health and wellness of the Black and Latino community regardless of sexual orientation and gender identity,” Anthony said. “We want to change that. Black BDSM seeks to open that dialogue in a healthy way for our community by uplifting people that are already doing it.”
The Black BDSM event will also include an award ceremony for Black community members who shine in the Leather/Rubber/Kink community as well as in the community at large. Honorees include Jace The Caveat, Jordan Bailey, ZodiaQ, Godessxx Rayne, Sir Kenzo Onyx, Goddexx Symphonee, Radiance Onyx, Jack Thompson, Pup Bard, Tahnee Simone and Maso Mutt (with a Posthumous Award).
The inaugural Black BDSM event will take place 7-11 p.m. on Feb. 22 at Bar X, 255 South Camac St., co-hosted by Icon Ebony Fierce and Diamond Anthony. Admission is free with a $5 suggested donation.