‘Born This Way’

Gay comedian Sampson McCormick will be at Baltimore Black Pride this weekend. (Blade file photo by Michael Key)

Baltimore Black Pride continues this weekend with an assortment of events all revolving around the theme, “I Was Born This Way: X-pression of Yo-self.”

Tonight there’s the youth event, “Where Is Your Voice?” from 6 to 9 p.m. at GLCCB (241 West Chase St.). This event will focus on educating youth on ways to make safer decisions as well as highlight some talented youth. Hosted by Sampson McCormick, designs by Hyman-Hyman will be featured as well as performances by J. Pope, DDm and a surprise guest.

There’s also the Black Out Party at Club Bunns (606/608 W. Lexington St.) from 7 to 10 p.m. This is the annual meet-and-greet party with Baltimore Black Pride’s Board of Directors. There’s a $10 after 9 p.m.

Saturday is the busiest day of Baltimore Pride with four separate events scheduled.

The day starts with a town hall to recognize 30 years of AIDS from 1 to 3 p.m. at the Metropolitan Community Church (401 W. Monument St.). The meeting will have discussions on how HIV has impacted the community as well as what can be done to take care of those infected and help prevent new infections.

There’s also a youth summit, “Who Runs the World?,” in the Student Center at the University of Maryland, Baltimore (621 W. Lombard St.) from 2 to 4 p.m. that will look at issues facing black LGBT youth including homelessness, HIV prevention and violent in the community.

The first event Saturday evening is the ninth annual Cultural Affair at Eubie Blake National Jazz Institute and Cultural Center (847 N. Howard St.). There will be an open bar and music provided by Tona Brown. Tickets for this event are $45 in advance and $50 at the door.

The night ends with the main event, “Batteries Not Included” at Paradox (1310 Russell St.) from 11 p.m. to 6 a.m. DJs Angel X and VJuan Allue will be spinning music and Lola Monroe will give a special performance. The Socialite, Damon Rhodes and Leiomy from Vogue Evolution, will be in attendance. Cover is $10 before 1 a.m. then $12 with a flyer and $15 without.

Sunday the Unity Fellowship Church will be giving a service aligned with the theme of Baltimore Black Pride at the Eubie Black National Jazz Institute and Cultural Center from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

The fall festival is also Sunday from 4 to 10 p.m. at Club Bunns with music, food and various vendors. A small donation of $3 is requested to help with costs.

Baltimore Black Pride is also sponsoring a couple of events to celebrate National Coming Out Day on Tuesday.

There will be a youth mixer at GLCCB from 6 to 8 p.m. Donations are welcomed and will benefit The Den, Baltimore’s LGBT youth center. There will also be a party at Club Bunns starting at 10 p.m.

For more information and to download the flyer for the main event, visitblackpridebaltimore.org.