Feb 12 : A Few of My Favorite Things
A weekly round-up
Happy Black History Month. On this week: a virtual art exhibition showcasing the life and work of Black, queer activist Pauli Murray, an online showing of documentary and musical Shuffle Along, and a sexy and sizzling V-Day burlesque show from the San Antonio troupe, Pastie-Pops, to round out your Sunday evening. There’s more of course, right below.
Friday
Queer Heroes: Black History Month – James Baldwin
Brush up on your gay history with this Instagram Live series on Black queer pioneers throughout history. On this week is a talk about Black-American novelist James Baldwin. His work often explored the themes of race, masculinity, sexuality, and class within the dominate White and heterosexual society of his time. In 2018 Regina King garnered an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress in the film adaptation of his novel, If Beale Street Could Talk. Tune into the talk by following the LGBT Network on Instagram (@LGBTNetwork). 5:30 EST
Women Behind Glass: A Quarantine Comedy Showcase
An online comedy show starring cis, trans, femme and non-binary people. I think it mainly features women. I don’t know tho. 7:00-8:30pm CST. $6USD
Soul in the Horn
Global vibrations featuring DJ Natasha Diggs and guests spinning horn-infused dj sets. While you’re at it, check out this Bustle article on Natasha Diggs to find out why they call her The 45 Queen. 6:00 EST
Judas and the Black Messiah HBO Max Release
This biographical film tells the story of the takedown and murder of Black Panther Party leader Fred Hampton. Daniel Kaluuya, Lakeith Stainfield, and newcomer Dominique Fishback (Project Power, The Deuce) star. Streaming on HBO Max.
Saturday
Black History Untold: Love
Join content creator Sofiya Ballin for a screening of her documentary that showcases Black couples sharing their love stories along with an exploration of Black love throughout history. Live Q & A to follow with all proceeds going to The Colored Girls Museum in Philadelphia. 6:00-8:00pm CST. $0-25 USD
Sunday
Pastie-Pops Va-Va-Valentine’s Day Burlesque Show
I’m really into burlesque these days if you haven’t figured it out yet. This San Antonio-based burlesque troupe is bringing the sexy with a night of red-hot striptease, drag, and of course, comedy. “VIP” is sold out, but I hear general admission is still a-go. Online. 7pm CST $15 USD
Online Exhibitions and Documentaries
Pauli Murray’s Proud Shoes: A Classic in African-American Genealogy
Based on her book Proud Shoes, this exhibition explores the family history and life of this Black-queer pioneer. A civil rights activist, lawyer, and author, Murray was the first Black-American to become ordained as an Episcopal priest.
Process-Project: What Comes Out of Our Sketchbooks
The Jamaica Center for Arts & Learning (JCAL) in collaboration with the Southeast Queens Artist Alliance, invite guest artists from outside of Southeast Queens showcase pages from their private sketchbooks. Get a glimpse into the mind of a diverse group of visual artists, writers, painters, photographers, and many other disciplines. Streaming online until March 20.
Feeling inspired? Try your hand at making your own sketchbook with this online workshop courtesy of the JCAL folks.
The Impact of Shuffle Along: A Documentary
Karamu House, the oldest African-American theater in the United States is making it easy to get your culture on this Black History Month with a free stream of the documentary The Impact of Shuffle Along. Part musical, part documentary, this film not only tells the story and history of the musical, but also features 20 songs from the original 1921 production. Don’t miss out on this. Streaming free online all February.
But Wait, There’s More!
Check out one of my favorite “new” female rapper in the game, Princess Nokia, sharing some tracks from her latest, 2020’s Everything is Beautiful.
Who Am I? A Celebration of African-American History
Combining personal stories and life lessons from family members and ancestors gone by, seven Black actors explore the impact of their heritage on their artistry today. Streaming online now.
Autostraddle has got the drop on the newest queer shows and films on the internet
Poet Mahogany L. Browne speak with Shondaland about her debut YA novel, Chlorine Sky.
Black History From the Year You Were Born
I wrote this piece two years ago. Fun fact: this was the piece that finally gave me enough money to pick up and move from Shanghai to Thailand. I bought my plane ticket with this check, haha. They update the pics every year and apparently Newsweek picked it up for syndication. Right on.
