Story at a glance
- Annual Pride parades have been cancelled due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, forcing the commemoration to go virtual.
- HBO has announced 10 days of LGBTQ+ centered content in celebration of Pride month.
- The programming features celebrities including Janelle Monae, Todrick Hall and Kim Petras.
Pride isn’t cancelled — it’s just going digital.
With restrictions on public gatherings still in place in many states due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, traditional parades have been cancelled. Instead, many artists are using their online platforms. HBO has announced 10 days of programming featuring LGBTQ+ artists and performers, ending on June 28, the anniversary of the Stonewall Riots, with a musical performance by Janelle Monae.
#Pride looks different this year. But we must remember its legacy as a protest & honor those who continue to stand up for equality & justice.
Join me & @mPinoe for a conversation & performance on @Salesforce‘s #LeadingThroughChange LIVE today at 10AM PST: https://t.co/Rq5BkqQxyZ pic.twitter.com/yOWik1o0Wi— Janelle Monáe, Cindi Mayweather (@JanelleMonae) June 15, 2020
The program will launch HBO’s platform, “Human by Orientation,” which plays off of the channel’s name. The page also links to Spotify playlists and custom backdrop murals created by artist OG Millie.
“Pride originated as a protest, led by trans women of color, fighting for all LGBTQIA+ people,” says the website, with a nod to the recent protests following George Floyd’s death. “Black lives matter. Black trans lives matter. Black queer lives matter. As a community, we must stand in solidarity. We hope our Pride site provides a safe space for the LGBTQIA+ community and allies to gather, recharge and celebrate our queerest, proudest selves.”
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The lineup kicks off on June 18 at 9 p.m. EDT with “Pride City Sounds: Los Angeles with Por Detroit x Ostbahnhof,” two Los Angeles warehouse artists. Other events include drag brunch and drag queen story hour, a queer comedy night with Cameron Esposito and musical performances with Todrick Hall and Kim Petras.
“I am very excited to perform a one-of-a-kind set that not only celebrates Pride, but also lands on this hallowed day in the black community,” Hall said in a statement. “Especially now, it’s so important for black queer artists to have our voices heard.”
HBO is partnering with nonprofits National Black Justice Coalition, Ali Forney Center and Audre Lorde Project throughout the week to raise money for the LGBTQ+ community.
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