Gatherings combining Pride and Juneteenth give Black LGBTQ+ people a refuge where they can celebrate

By JAMIE STENGLE
Associated Press

DALLAS (AP) — From a block party in New York City to a movie screening outside of Denver, groups across the U.S. have found ways to merge Pride month and Juneteenth celebrations. Such gatherings help highlight the struggles against discrimination Black and LGBTQ+ people have faced while celebrating those whose lives are a convergence of both identities in an inclusive atmosphere. Organizers say it’s especially vital to have such events amid a political climate that has been increasingly hostile toward LGBTQ+ people, with transgender people particularly being targeted with a growing number of laws and policies.