The Gatekeepers Collective

09/07/2024

A Day of Pride and Progress: Harlem Renaissance 2.0 Banner Unveiling Recap

On a sun-drenched Saturday, September 7, 2024, 125th Street became a canvas for celebration and reflection as the Harlem Renaissance 2.0 Banners were unveiled. This powerful public art installation, a collaboration between The Gatekeepers Collective and esteemed partners, and designed by board member Jon Key, transformed the iconic thoroughfare into a vibrant tribute to SGLBTQ+ trailblazers.

The air buzzed with anticipation as community members, activists, and supporters gathered at The Forum, Columbia University, for the unveiling ceremony. Esteemed actors Michael Early, Chantal Jean-Pierre, Portia Johnson, Hayward Leach, and Kerry Warren graced the stage, their voices echoing the profound words of James Baldwin, Lorraine Hansberry, Bayard Rustin, Barbara Jordan, and Audre Lorde. Their performances breathed life into the honorees' legacies, reminding us of their courage, resilience, and enduring impact.

Dr. John-Martin Green, Executive Director of The Gatekeepers Collective, captured the essence of the day, stating, "Celebrating these legacies helps create a more inclusive and celebratory dynamic in Harlem for everyone." The banners, larger-than-life portraits adorning the streetlights, served as a visual testament to the SGLBTQ+ community's profound contributions to American and world history and culture.

The event was a testament to the power of community collaboration. The Gatekeepers Collective, along with The Stonewall Foundation, UMEZ, LMCC, and WHDC, worked tirelessly to bring this vision to life. The project also garnered support from prominent community figures, including; Jonathan McCrory, Executive Artistic Director, National Black Theatre; Carmen Neely, President & CEO, Harlem Center and Executive Director of Harlem Pride; Antoine Craigwell, President & CEO DBGM, Inc. Ron Zacchi, NYS Gov. Hochul'd Dir. of LGBTQ Affairs, Patrick Kwaan, Mayor's Adams Community Affairs Sr. Advisor, City Councilman Shaun Abreu and Victor Edwards, Manhattan CB9 Chair, underscoring its significance.

As the legacies were lifted high, 125th Street was bathed in a kaleidoscope of colors, symbolizing the diversity and resilience of the SGLBTQ+ community. This installation serves as a permanent reminder that their stories matter, their voices deserve to be heard, and their contributions have shaped the very fabric of Harlem and the nation.

The Harlem Renaissance 2.0 Banner unveiling was not just an event; it was a movement. It was a celebration of progress, a call for continued advocacy, and an invitation to embrace our authentic selves. The banners will continue to inspire and educate, ensuring that the legacies of these trailblazers live on for generations to come.

We encourage you to visit 125th Street between Amsterdam and 12th Avenues to experience this powerful installation firsthand. Share your reflections on social media using , and visit Gatekeepers.NYC for more information about The Gatekeepers Collective's ongoing initiatives.

Catering from Melba's

09/07/2024

Saluting Barbara Jordan 📜
Barbara Jordan, the first Southern African-American woman elected to the U.S. House of Representatives, is celebrated for her eloquence and leadership.

TODAY
TGC Harlem Renaissance 2.0 Banners Unveiling Ceremony on Saturday. September 7th at 1pm at the Forum, Columbia University, 601 W. 125th St, New York, NY 10027.

See her banner flying high on 125th Street. 🗽✨ | Gatekeepers.nyc

09/06/2024

Meet James Baldwin 🌟
James Baldwin, a literary giant, gave voice to the struggles and triumphs of being Black and same gender loving (SGL) in America. His courage to speak his truth resonates through time.

TGC Harlem Renaissance 2.0 Banners Unveiling Ceremony on Saturday. September 7th at 1pm at the Forum, Columbia University, 601 W. 125th St, New York, NY 10027.

Look up on 125th Street to see Baldwin celebrated in our banner series. 📚✊🏾 | Gatekeepers.nyc

09/05/2024

Lorraine Hansberry's Legacy 🎭
Known for her groundbreaking play "A Raisin in the Sun," Lorraine Hansberry broke barriers as a playwright and activist.

TGC Harlem Renaissance 2.0 Banners Unveiling Ceremony on Saturday. September 7th at 1pm at the Forum, Columbia University, 601 W. 125th St, New York, NY 10027.

Her banner on 125th Street is a tribute to her indomitable spirit. Celebrate her with us! | Gatekeepers.nyc

09/04/2024

Bayard Rustin 💼Honoring

Bayard Rustin, a key strategist of the Civil Rights Movement, was an openly same gender loving man who fought tirelessly for justice and equality.

TGC Harlem Renaissance 2.0 Banners Unveiling Ceremony on Saturday. September 7th at 1pm at the Forum, Columbia University, 601 W. 125th St, New York, NY 10027.

His legacy immortalized on 125th Street, reminding us of the power of advocacy. 🌍✊🏾 | Gatekeepers.nyc

09/03/2024

✊🏾 Remembering Audre Lorde ✊🏾
Audre Lorde, a warrior poet and activist, empowered countless individuals with her words.

TGC Harlem Renaissance 2.0 Banners Unveiling Ceremony on Saturday. September 7th at 1pm at the Forum, Columbia University, 601 W. 125th St, New York, NY 10027.

Her banner on 125th Street stands as a testament to her advocacy for justice and authenticity. 🌈📖 | Gatekeepers.nyc

08/29/2024

Harlem Renaissance 2.0 Banners Unveiling on 125

The Gatekeepers Collective (TGC) will unveil their 4th iteration of the powerful public art installation honoring the legacies of same-gender-loving (SGL) pioneers of the Harlem Renaissance 2.0 Banners and beyond. The project features larger-than-life banners designed by Jonathan Key, showcasing figures like James Baldwin, Lorraine Hansberry, Bayard Rustin, Barbara Jordan and Audre Lorde on 125th Street.

Key Details:
Date: Saturday, September 7, 2024

Time: 1 PM

Location: The Forum, Columbia University, 601 W 125th St, New York, NY 10027 (Broadway - 125th Street Stop on the 1-Subway Line)

Highlights: Unveiling ceremony with performances by acclaimed actors, bringing the honorees' words to life.

FREE
RSVP Here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/the-gatekeepers-collective-presents-125th-street-banner-unveiling-tickets-971267135147

The project celebrates the contributions of SGLBTQ African Americans, fostering inclusivity and inspiring self-acceptance. It's a testament to the power of community collaboration and the enduring spirit of diversity and resilience.

Join the celebration and support TGC's mission by attending the event and donating at https://thegatekeeperscollective.com/donate.

Share your experience using

gatekeepers.nyc

06/26/2024

✨✨✨For Planning Purposes✨✨✨
June 26, 2024
Contact: Mitch Schwartz, 914-330-1026

FRIDAY: STARR Celebrates 55th Anniversary with Rally to Demand City Honor Settlement to Build Transgender and Gender Nonconforming Shelters

NEW YORK–At 11am on Friday, June 28th, Mariah Lopez and STARR (Strategic Trans Alliance for Radical Reform) will join activists, legal advocates, and at-risk trans New Yorkers to demand New York City honor a 2021 legal settlement to build four transgender and gender nonconforming shelters.

Mariah Lopez v. NYC Department of Homeless Services (DHS) brought damning evidence of NYC DHS’s failure to serve transgender people in safe shelters. Under the settlement in 2021, the City agreed to establish shelter units that serve and affirm trans, nonbinary, and gender nonconforming (TGNC) people in Brooklyn, the Bronx, Queens, and Manhattan; provide shelter staff (including contractors) training on the rights of TGNC people; require that shelter staff (including contractors) follow a non-discrimination policy; and strengthen the complaint investigation process when shelter residents allege anti-trans discrimination or harassment.

No such shelters have been built to date, leaving the City out of compliance with the settlement. The rally will call on the City to honor their commitment and celebrate STARR’s founding by Marsha P. Johnson and Sylvia Rivera after the historic June 28, 1969 Stonewall Rebellion.

DATE:
Friday, June 28, 2024

TIME:
11:00am

WHERE:
Foley Square

WHO:
Mariah Lopez, Executive Director of STARR
Legal Aid Society
Carolyn Wolpert, former New York City government attorney
Shauna Brooks
Transgender rights activists and currently unhoused transgender community members Strategictransalliance.org

02/17/2024

"My Ballroom Story" is not just a documentary; it's a journey into the heart of a vibrant, resilient community, told through the lens of Felix, a New York-based Afro-Latinx filmmaker. In this groundbreaking film, Felix invites us to explore the captivating world of ballroom culture, where LGBTQ+ individuals, particularly people of color, found sanctuary, expression, and solidarity.

Set against the backdrop of New York City, Felix's narrative unfolds, revealing his personal struggles with identity, acceptance, and belonging. Through his lens, we witness the evolution of the ballroom scene, from its origins as a refuge for marginalized communities to its current status as a symbol of empowerment and self-expression.

As Felix delves deeper into the ballroom "herstory," he confronts challenging themes such as internalized homophobia, machismo, and racism within the Latinx community. Surprisingly, the film also sheds light on gender discrimination within the ballroom itself, adding layers of complexity to the narrative.

The film reaches its emotional apex when Felix returns to Puerto Rico to confront his past and reconcile with his ailing mother. Despite her rejection of his sexuality decades ago, Felix grapples with the lingering guilt and shame that have kept him from fully embracing his true self. Through intimate conversations and introspection, he embarks on a journey of self-acceptance and liberation, inspiring viewers to confront their own internalized struggles.

The My Ballroom Story team extends heartfelt gratitude to all supporters who have contributed to our crowdfunding campaign. Thanks to your generosity, we've surpassed the $35,000 mark, bringing us closer to our $100,000 goal. Your belief in our project fuels our passion to share this important story with the world.

We recognize that our journey is far from over, and we humbly ask for your continued support. Whether through donations on Crowdfundr or contributions to our fiscal sponsor, Third World Newsreel, every contribution brings us one step closer to realizing our vision.

Please join us in spreading the word about "My Ballroom Story" and the incredible individuals it celebrates. Together, we can amplify voices, challenge stereotypes, and foster greater understanding and acceptance for all.

For those interested in supporting our project or learning more, please reach out to Felix Rodriguez directly at [email protected].

Thank you for being a vital part of the My Ballroom Story family. Your ongoing generosity and support mean the world to us. Let's continue to shine a light on untold narratives and celebrate the beauty of diversity and resilience.

Click & Support The Film Here:

“My Ballroom Story” is a documentary from the first-hand perspective of a New York, gay Afro-Latinx filmmaker. His mission is to create a broader understanding of why LGBTQ+ groups of an underground society called “houses”' were formed and how they cre...

02/02/2024

Happy Black History Month
Design by Jonathan Key

10/28/2023

Opens Friday, November 3rd
RUSTIN

Bayard Rustin, advisor to Martin Luther King Jr., dedicates his life to the quest for racial equality, human rights and worldwide democracy. However, as an openly gay Black man, he is all but erased from the civil rights movement he helped build.

Join us on Friday, November 3, 2023
The 7:30PM
The Paris Theater
4 W 58th St, New York, NY 10019
Purchase you ticket at paristheaternyc.com

DIRECTOR
George C. Wolfe

CAST
Colman Domingo, Chris Rock, Glynn Turman, Audra McDonald, Aml Ameen, Gus Halper, Johnny Ramey, CCH Pounder

09/18/2023

At The Flea | THE ILLUSTRIOUS BLACKS Wednesday, September 27 at 8:00PM

“Self-proclaimed Afro-Electro-Disco-Space-Punks, DJ/Music duo The Illustrious Blacks are unlike anything you’ve ever seen. Part DJ set, part dance performance, part Studio 54, part Berlin underground, this NY couple knows how to put on a SHOW!” -YoHoMo

With inspiration from artists like Prince, David Bowie, Grace Jones, Depeche Mode and George Clinton, The Illustrious Blacks have arrived with a mission to fuse futuristic funk, hypnotic house, space disco and synth-pop into pulsating positivity for the planet. The real life married couple are not only co­-pilots on their artistic voyage, but are united in their fantastical journey through life.

Special Ticket Price: $20.00 (including all service charges)
RSVP for your ticket with Richard E. Pelzer II
Click Here by Sunday, September 24, 2023 at 6PM EST
https://forms.gle/YwvgeaXParQhNYuU7

The Flea
20 Thomas Street
New York, NY 10007

Learn More:
https://theflea.org/company/the-illustrious-blacks

WATCH VIDEO - The Illustrious Blacks Seek to Liberate Us With Radical Black Joy:
https://youtu.be/bUT0RIb_iic?si=CSYOuP4eeMNhQqkD

HarlemCLX and Richard E. Pelzer II, invites you to on COMMUNITY APPRECIATION NIGHT Wednesday, September 27, 2023 8:00PM The Flea Theater, 20 Thomas St, New York, NY 10007 Special Ticket Price: $20.00 (including all service charges) RSVP for your ticket with Richard E. Pelzer II Click H...