NEW YORK (Philadelphia Front Page News) -- Gay pride marches in New York City, San Francisco and in between this weekend will have plenty of participants. Members of the LGBT community are up and coming popular artist. One such artist who is for more celebrations that prioritize the experiences of all gay people, especially issues facing black and brown LGBT people, is none other than Kashim Turpin, nationally known Ballet Hip Hop dancer, choreographer, director and producer.
Kashim Turpin participated in gay pride affairs expressing fashion and style similar to other pride events earlier this month.
Elsewhere, Gay Pride supporters also were sure not to ignore current events in the news where in Columbus, Ohio; four people were arrested after a group set out to protest violence against minority LGBT people and the recent acquittal of a police officer in the shooting death of Philando Castile, a black man, during a traffic stop.
"Nobody wants to feel dropped in a community that prides itself on diversity," said Mike Basillas, one of the organizers of the planned New York City protest action by No Justice No Pride.
In Minneapolis, organizers of Sunday's Twin Cities Pride Parade initially asked the police department to limit participation following the acquittal of police officer Jeronimo Yanez in the death of Castile. But organizers changed their minds after meeting Thursday with Janee Harteau, the city's openly gay police chief who called the decision divisive and hurtful to LGBT officers.
Kashim Turpin, a Philadelphian native, most recently a resident in the New York City area walked and presented gay popularity support representing Philly, NYC and New Jersey City gay culture.
Speaking of Philly, in Philadelphia, where racial relations in the LGBT community are beginning to mend after a year of community protests, the introduction of a rainbow flag — the traditional symbol of LGBT unity and diversity — that added black and brown stripes to represent blacks and Latinos has spilled over into a national debate.
That divide has led to controversy when attempts have been made to address race, as in Philadelphia. The city drew criticism last summer when activists raised concerns that the Gayborhood — the city's main gay enclave — discriminated against blacks. Gay blacks complained of dress codes banning Timberlands and sweatpants, of not being served in a timely manner at bars and of being stopped and asked for identification at clubs while white customers walked in unbothered.
In January, Philadelphia officials issued a report confirming longstanding racism in the Gayborhood and pledged to penalize businesses that did not make changes. Earlier this month, the city unveiled a new flag meant to be a more inclusive reflection of gay pride, with a black and brown stripe added to the existing rainbow motif. The flag's introduction stirred heated commentary from supporters as well as those who felt it was interjecting race unnecessarily.
Pride organizers around the country have taken steps to address the criticisms. In San Francisco, Sunday's pride event will be led by groups including the Bayard Rustin LGBT Club, SF Black Community Matters, African Human Rights, and Bay Area Queer People of Color.
Now back to NYC, in New York City, the march organizers are putting a contingent of groups more focused on protest than celebration at the head of the event.
New York City spokesman James Fallarino said if there are any disruptions or protests during the event, "We're going to make sure we do everything in our power to respect the people who are disrupting or protesting and to respect their message."
One message is clear, dress up, costumes, bright colors, Kashim Turpin’s dance and music is sharing its way into the LGBT moments of -the newest hits and the biggest artists, with a mix of dance and alternative.
