In a social climate where many in the community feel Black, gay and afraid, a group of fearless Black, gay men have come together to empower, organize, and inform their peers on how they can uplift each other and improve their lives both personally and professionally. With a White House that has revoked federal protection for transgender students, erased an LGBT rights page from its website and hired at least one advisor who appears to believe in gay conversion, MOBI aims to empower an often marginalized community in the face of hatred and bigotry.
MOBI is a series of curated social connectivity events for Black, gay and queer men to see their holistic self. The initiative seeks to cultivate the black, gay community through MOBItalks, a three-part personal and professional development series in Harlem, Brooklyn, and the Bronx. In celebration of Black queer excellence, MOBIfest is a four-day citywide festival set for May 2018 that gives voice to the convergence of interactive arts, film, fashion, and music in Black, queer culture. The initiative is funded by the New York City Department of Health and aims to promote health and wellness amongst black, gay men.
The first MOBItalks event will take place on Saturday, September 23rd from 9am - 4pm at Ilan Rubin Studio - 14B 53rd Street, 7th fl Brooklyn, NY 11232 and will feature engaging talks surrounding sexuality, creative expression, and identity with speakers including journalist and LGBT Activist, Emil Wilbekin; “Real World” alum and television host; Karamo Brown; activist, Richard Brookshire; and "queer conscious" rapper, Jay Boogie. Attendees will also participate in personal and professional development sessions and can screen for various services throughout the day including: HIV, STIs, PrEP/PEP, health insurance, primary care, and dental.
To learn more about MOBI, please follow “MOBINYC” on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter: @MOBI_NYC, and visit www.mobi-nyc.com to register for events.
