Upcoming wellness meeting to focus on Black gay men's health issues
The Brothers of the Desert know that healing comes from many different places, not just a doctor's office. For the past four years, this local Black gay men's group has organized a one-day meeting with interactive presentations by experts on physical, spiritual and mental health issues of importance to Black gay men.
"Our Rhythm, Our Power: Living Our Best Black Gay Lives" is this year's theme, and music and culture will be major parts of the meeting at the Margaritaville Resort on Nov. 12.
In concert with this theme, this year's keynote speaker will be stage actor and recording artist Alton Fitzgerald White, who has done a record-breaking 4,308 performances as King Mufasa in "The Lion King" on Broadway and has had major roles in "Ragtime," "Miss Saigon" and "The Color Purple." He will set an upbeat tone for the group based on his best-selling book "My Pride: Mastering Life's Daily Performance."
Bishop Yvette Flunder from the Bay Area's Ark of Refuge Church will return to electrify attendees with her spirit-filled affirmation of LGBTQ+ lives within the Christian faith through preaching and music. Comic television actor Ralph Cole Jr. will serve as emcee for the event.
Music as healing will also be the focus of a workshop presentation by dynamic openly gay singer-songwriter-poet Nhojj, who has recorded seven albums, published three books, won four Outmusic awards and shared stages with Norah Jones, Regina Belle and Estelle.
Nhojj has spent two decades charting a singular course through the rivers of R&B, soul, jazz and reggae, creating space where audiences can experience themselves through the eyes of love and acceptance.
Attendance at the summit is free (registration required) and open to all who have an interest in Black gay men's health. In addition to music, the day-long event will feature 20 speakers presenting innovative workshops and panel discussions on a diverse range of topics, including spirituality, relationships, mental health, aging, trauma of racism, prevention, physical health, Black LGBTQ history, healthy sex, creative expression, financial planning and more. Last year's summit had more than 120 attendees.
Brothers of the Desert board president Tim Vincent says: "We are so proud to bring these dynamic speakers together to share their expertise with our community. There will be opportunities to learn, connect and meet new people while attending the workshops."
In addition to the Wellness Summit, there will be two special live public performances for the enjoyment of the Coachella Valley community. On Nov. 12, Brothers of the Desert offers an evening of music and laughter at the Palm Springs Cultural Center with Nhojj and Ralph Cole Jr. And on Nov. 13, Alton Fitzgerald White will sing Broadway and Disney songs in a concert at the Palm Springs United Methodist Church. Full details, as well as registration for the summit and the community events can be found at brothersofthedesert.org.
Lorenzo Taylor is a retired public health administrator and poetry and fiction writer who relocated to the Coachella Valley three years ago. He volunteers for various LGBT community programs.
This article originally appeared on Palm Springs Desert Sun: Upcoming event to focus on Coachella Valley Black gay men's issues
