Scenes from the “LGBTQ+ March to Support Black Lives” on 6/27/20 [GALLERY]

Hundreds gathered in Cleveland on Saturday to take part in the “LGBTQ+ March to Support Black Lives,” either marching from the LGBT Historical Marker to the LGBT Community Center of Greater Cleveland, handing out water, sitting on Detroit at the end of the March, listening to the speakers, or being a supportive presence at various points along the way. Participants were encouraged to support organizations represented at the event including the LGBT Community Center of Greater Cleveland,  META Center, Inc., and West 117 Foundation.

For the white participants, I hope the event led to a deeper sense of awareness of the role white supremacy has played and continues to play in our LGBTQ+ community. I hope this awareness continues to move our white and white-passing community members to action in addressing the myriad inequities and injustices still present that they may have even perpetuated. For the participants of color, I hope the event was an experience wherein they felt seen, heard, supported, and loved. For all of the participants, I hope this was just the beginning of our taking intentional steps together toward a more unified, equitable, and just LGBTQ+ community.   -Evie DuVernay, one of the march organizers

Scroll through the gallery to see scenes from the day’s events. All photo courtesy of Jennifer Mangino.