There are three things that many LGBT persons absolutely love: good cocktails, good food, and good parties.
Parties have been a way for LGBT persons to come together, especially for queer persons of color. Thanks in part to event/party promoters.
Party promoters are people who influence others to attend a party or an event. Their massive influence derives from both their online and physical presence; many promoters have an Instagram following in the thousands or have an excess amount of Snapchat followers. Even without a strong social media presence promoters can still influence the social circuit in their city.
Many people claim party promoting is not a real job or that it’s easy. From personal experience I understand the challenges of promoting an event or party. It’s much more than sending emails and mass text messages. You need a good marketing strategy, secured resources, and most importantly stamina. There’s been times when I barely had little to no sleep while planning an event.
Another misconception is that party promoters organize events solely for financial reasons. Most party promoters have the best intentions of bringing together in spaces where people can enjoy themselves.
Within LGBT communities of color party/event promoters play a major social role. Some of the most prominent ones are James Saunders, Darryl Wilson, and Laurence Pickney. They’ve influenced the black/latin gay social scene which is largely present in club venues and bars. Within these establishments LGBT persons of color can interact with one another and freely express themselves without feeling discriminated.
Back in the day LGBT parties for persons of color were commonly thrown in warehouses and other secluded spaces. At these parties persons would dance to house music in strobe lit rooms and face off in intense dance competitions.
As time passed and mainstream society became more tolerant of homosexuality party promoters and event organizers began to organize parties in more visible settings including bars and nightclubs. Places like Secrets(New York), Colors(Atlanta), Traxx(Washington DC), Soakies(Kansas City), Jewels Catch One(Los Angeles), Continental(Detroit), Jeffrey Pub(Chicago) were safe havens where black gays enjoyed themselves and danced their feet away. Sadly though, many of those black gay establishments have been shut down due to gentrification and related reasons.
Many LGBT persons would claim that the LGBT parties were most enjoyable during the 90s era. Even though homosexuality has become more acceptable within society there are still limited LGBT spaces especially within ethnic communities. However, the LGBT social scene still remains lively thanks largely in part to party/event promoters.
Here is a list of some of today’s most popular event promoters in the US.
Atlanta
Rockstars Production
Capricorn Takeover at Atlantis. Open to 2am RockStars Production
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Next Level Events
Warren Huntley
Alter Ego Entertainment
Winter Wonderland White Party Happy birthday to me and what a wonderful one it was. #2019
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Atlanta Black Pride
MIXX IS FUCKING LITTTTTT!!! 1492 PIEDMONT AVE NE, ATL!!! LETS GOOOOOOOO!!!
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Elite Social Club
New York City
James Saunders Productions
Eventbrice
Tough You Hear that Scratching @djmksworldknight @iamdjgq
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Frank Watson Events
Sean and John Events
Hassan & Mike Events
Joe Morris Events
Washington D.C
Darryl Wilson Productions LLC
Reggie Rich Events
Day in the District Events
Incrowd Events
Omega Entertainment
Philadelphia
Social Life Entertainment
The Phirm
Jaylatay Entertainment
Miami
Miami Beach Bruthaz
Fort Lauderdale
Events by Wes
Rails Marketing Group (also Chicago)
Los Angeles
Bash LA Events
Charlotte
Destini Productions
Chicago
High Society Entertainment Group
Partyboy Entertainment Group
Maxx Lucas
Rails Marketing Group
Dallas
The Distinguished Gentlemen of KKMS
Velvet Rope Productions
Memphis
Guaranteed Entertainment
Las Vegas
About the Author: A native of Brooklyn, New York, Prince Martinez is the founder of Men Who Brunch (MWB), a lifestyle website and event blog. The concept of MWB primarily started from his own internal struggles as a gay man. Having hid in the closet for many years he finally decided to live in his own truth. His desire to bring LGBT persons together and love of brunch motivated him to start Men Who Brunch. His vision for MWB is to build an international community for LGBTQ persons who enjoy brunch and other social activities.
Prince enjoys happy hours, martial arts, and of course brunch! He also likes giving backing to the community and dreams to build a new community center back in his old neighborhood. And don’t forget to check out themenwhobrunch.com