LGBTQ Event of the Week: Queering Racial Justice Institute

Queering Racial Justice Institute is a daylong event happening this Saturday at the African American Museum.

For its impressive lineup of national and local guests and its all-inclusive focus on timely subject matter, this week’s LGBTQ event of the week is the Queering Racial Justice Institute. Backed by the National LGBT Task Force, ACLU, Equality Pennsylvania, NAACP, and many other social justice organizations, the daylong event features interactive workshops, caucuses, and general assemblies. Participants from all walks of life are encouraged to discuss racial justice issues affecting the LGBTQ community with advocacy experts and community leaders. (Disclosure: I will be leading a workshop at the event on the state of race relations in the Gayborhood.)

“We think it’s our responsibility as civil rights activists to be allies in this space and advocate for LGBTQ rights,” said Lauren Footman, president of the NAACP Pennsylvania Youth and College Division. Footman, 24, is hosting two workshops during the event geared toward social-media advocacy and gun-violence prevention. “We will continue to use our voices and platform to advocate for inclusive policies and practices for all marginalized communities. Understanding the need for our policies to be completely inclusive of all identities that extend across sexual orientation, race/ethnicity, and gender identity.”

An estimated 180 guests are expected to attend this’s Saturday inaugural conference, happening from 9 a.m. until 6 p.m. at the Philadelphia African American Museum on 701 Arch Street. Although online pre-registration is closed, there are a few available slots open for the earliest guests who plan to register at the door.

Other events to check out this weekend:

FRIDAY
Love Is Love Luau Fundraiser: 6 p.m. at Keith and David’s Home, 123 Fernwood Drive.

Grounded Autonomy: 7 p.m. at The Glass Factory, 1517 North Bailey Street.

SATURDAY
Ab Fab GayBINGO!: 7 p.m. at Gershman Y, 401 South Broad Street.

Rock Hard: Underwear Fashion Show and Charity Auction: 8 p.m. at Voyeur Nightclub, 1221 Saint James Street.

GET OFF: Sleazy ’70s Disco Party!: 10 p.m. at Stir Lounge, 1705 Chancellor Street.

NOTE: If you have weekend LGBTQ events that you would like considered for our top picks, please email us at gphilly@phillymag.com.