In a powerful display of joy, resilience, and community care, the annual Celebration of Black Trans Women Cookout returned to Queens’ Socrates Sculpture Park. This year’s event, coinciding with the birthday of transgender icon Marsha P. Johnson, served as both a vibrant block party and a sanctuary, honoring Johnson’s legacy while championing visibility and healing for Black Trans and queer individuals.
Honoring Marsha P. Johnson Amidst Erasure
A banner honoring Marsha P. Johnson was prominently displayed, serving as a poignant reminder of the resilience of trans lives, particularly trans women of color. This tribute felt especially significant given the recent National Park Service’s decision to remove references to transgender people from the Stonewall National Monument website, a move organizers decried as blatant erasure. The cookout stands in stark contrast, actively celebrating the history and contributions that are too often overlooked.
The Angelito Collective: Fostering Community and Healing
Since 2021, the Angelito Collective, co-founded by Sol Angel and Demiyah, has been dedicated to centering Black Trans and queer experiences. Through intimate dinners, healing practices, and community care, they create spaces for connection. Their work has extended to cultural institutions like the Museum of Modern Art, bridging community gatherings with artistic platforms to promote visibility and support.
From Survival to Celebration: Gia Love’s Vision
Gia Love, who initiated the cookout five years ago, continues to be a driving force. Founded in response to the narratives of death and despair often associated with Black trans lives, the event is a powerful affirmation of survival and celebration. “In my life, though I experience great sadness sometimes, I also experience an abundance of joy,” Love shared, highlighting the event’s dual purpose.
A Day of Joy, Food, and Wellness
Attendees described the day as “full of life,” with people dancing, eating, and simply enjoying each other’s company. Beyond the food, music, and community gathering, the cookout offered various healing and wellness modalities, including acupuncture, cupping, massage, and self-defense workshops. Partnerships with brands like James Veloria, Okra Project, Shea Moisture, and Flamer provided attendees with access to resources and support.
Visibility and Affirmation for Black Trans Women
For many attendees, the cookout is a rare opportunity to inhabit a space centered on Black trans joy. Kami, 23, shared, “I feel like this is the only place I’ve ever been that has, like, as many Black trans women as I’ve seen.” Fashion, a returning attendee, echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the importance of “Black trans joy and community.” The event is a vital affirmation, reminding attendees that they are seen, celebrated, and not alone.
The organizers, including Sol Angel and Demiyah from the Angelito Collective, meticulously planned every detail, from introductions to encouraging donations. They acknowledge the challenges but remain committed to showing up for their community. “Keep showing up for Black trans women… this work is not easy, you know, like we’re pulling away from our own identities, our own individual experiences to show up for our communities,” Sol emphasized.
How important are spaces like the Black Trans Cookout for fostering community and visibility? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
