Austin Pride Donates $20,000 to Austin Black Pride

Austin Pride presents Austin Black Pride with a $20,000 check (Photo provided by Sheldon Darnell)

You might’ve thought, for a brief moment, that the party of Pride was over, but shimmy yourself back into your feather boa and glitter tattoos, because there’s more to dance for.

On Tuesday, Aug. 20, Austin Pride delivered a check for $20,000 to Austin Black Pride at their Pose Finale Watch Party and Mini-Ball (no spoilers here!). This contribution was made up of the proceeds from the VIQ (Very Important Queer) Lounge at this year’s Pride Festival on Aug. 11. ABP took over the Lounge, offering an entertainment experience called “The Love Shack.” Everyone boogied the hours away, and now, as decreed by the gods of queer joy, we must continue to do so in celebration.

But seriously – this partnership is huge for both organizations. President of Austin Pride Micah Andress tells Qmmunity, he worries that over the years “Pride lost sight of its mission statement to educate, resource, and connect the LGBTQIA+ community in Austin.” He says now they are closer to fulfilling their mission statement and giving Pride back to the community.

Sheldon Darnell, President of Austin Black Pride, says Austin Pride has been a generous, respectful, and model ally, asking for feedback and input from ABP along the way. “One thing I can really appreciate,” he says, is Pride “identifying an opportunity for us to partner, and not just give a handout. They trusted our vision and abilities with a pretty big portion of the Austin Pride Festival – that speaks volumes to our relationship.” He went on, “Austin Black Pride is forever grateful for this opportunity to hold a larger stake in the Austin Pride Celebration.”

And that’s not all. Though official numbers – for the weekend’s attendance and funds raised – haven’t been solidified yet, Andress confirms Austin Pride will be donating more to additional organizations. He promises, “AP is now more focused on a Pride 365 approach.” And that’s something to celebrate, so cheers to members of Austin’s qmmunity supporting one another, and to many more mini-balls to come.