St. Luke’s Church and the Episcopal Dioceses of Western New York and Northwestern Pennsylvania, in collaboration with The Chautauqua County Mental Health Association, are pleased to announce B. Proud as the Opening Speaker for Jamestown Pride Fest (JPF). Her slide lecture will occur at St. Luke’s Undercroft, North Main and 4th Streets, Jamestown, New York, on Friday, June 9, at 6:30 pm.
Proud is an American activist and award-winning photographer, filmmaker, and storyteller who will present her powerful vision of love and light for the LGBTQ+ community. Her stories are legendary. President Obama invited B. Proud to the White House for an LGBTQ+ celebration, and Edith S. (Edie) Windsor (chief plaintiff in United States v. Windsor) wrote the forward for B. Proud’s First Comes Lovebook. A career highlight includes photographing Lady Gaga and President Obama on the same day!
St. Luke’s welcomes LGBTQ+ families, friends, and allies of all ages. One goal is collaborating with youth, their families, friends, and support groups, especially reaching out to individuals discovering their identities and seeking support, empowerment, and services.
Her lecture will review First Comes Love, her first exhibition and book of photographs and stories of LGBTQ+ couples in long-term relationships. B. Proud’s audiences will witness excellence and transcendence within families, friends, and colleagues. The book received two publishing gold medals. Her short film, A Circle of Diamonds, told Edie Windsor’s story worldwide in 16 film festivals. Visit https://www.firstcomeslove.org/ for the complete story and images.
B. Proud’s second exhibition and book in progress expands the First Comes Love story. Transcending Love offers a glimpse into the lives of transgender and gender-nonconforming couples and families across the USA,” said B. Proud. Please visit the project website at www.transcendinglove.orgto view the portraits and read the stories.
B. Proud will also participate in JPF as part of the Jamestown Public Market on Saturday, June 10, from 10 am to 2 pm. St. Luke’s and JPF welcome friends, family, allies, and staff from social service organizations. A good turnout by the local LGBTQ+ community and social justice organizations would help achieve the goal of JPF to connect, inspire, empower, serve, and enrich lives.
The Episcopal Church affirms the dignity and equality of all human beings and welcomes all people without any exceptions of race, ethnicity, gender, sexuality, orientation, age, or any other factor.