Culture and joy took the spotlight at Highly Favored, the Los Angeles LGBT Center’s annual Black History Month celebration.
The program on Saturday, Feb. 21, honored nightlife as a crucial force in shaping the Black queer community and its experiences.
“Music has really played an important part in cultivating nightlife culture, especially in the city of L.A.,” Giovanna Fischer, chief equity officer of the L.A. LGBT Center, said. “I want them to see the roots and understand the roots of Black queer folx being the core of creating that, of making that a space of sanctuary.”
Along with honoring actress Hailie Sahar and filmmaker Elegance Bratton for their work in expanding queer media representation, the program also included a gallery exhibition by Los Angeles-born visual artist Nikko LaMere.
LaMere’s installation explored queer joy and self-expression, and creates an immersive, emotionally rich environment.
“I think these images really capture moments of just feeling really safe and comfortable and fun,” LaMere said. “It tells the story of the small pocket of friends that you meet along the way that help make you feel safe and make you feel comfortable to just be queer and Black.”
Up until they were 18, LaMere danced almost every day of the week, building worlds through movement.
“While you’re learning these combinations, it’s all about the music,” LaMere said. “While I’m dancing, I’m creating these worlds in my head.”
LaMere said the way they approach their art, whether it be a collection of photos or a music video, stems from the freedom and fantasy that dance creates.
“I feel like right now it’s more important than ever to not shy away. To be this in your face,” LaMere said. “These are not posed, styled, photoshopped images. They are, pretty much, what you see is what you get, and I think there’s a beauty to that and I hope people see that.”
Highly Favored and its programming contribute to the larger mission of the L.A. LGBT Center by celebrating LGBTQ+ individuals in Los Angeles and beyond.
The center also strives to build a world in which LGBTQ+ people thrive as healthy, equal and complete members of society.
“I hope that attendees, number one, come to L.A. LGBT Center and feel like we’re making space for them,” Fischer said. “In this moment, I think it’s really important to uplift joy.”
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