2025 Native Son Awards: Honoring Black Gay and Queer Men's Achievements and Advocacy
The 2025 Native Son Awards have been announced, honoring the achievements and advocacy of Black gay and queer men. This year's honorees include actor Colman Domingo, costume designer Paul Tazewell, choreographer Sean Bankhead, multidisciplinary artist Derrick Adams, National Black Justice Coalition CEO and Executive Director Dr. David J. Johns, and founder of the Black AIDS Institute Phill Wilson. Tazewell expressed his gratitude for the recognition, emphasizing the significance of being acknowledged by a community that celebrates the brilliance and resilience of Black queer and gay men.
The event will feature performances by Grammy award-nominated singer-songwriter Durand Bernarr and The Voice contestant Deon Jones. Former Native Son Awards honorees Rashad Robinson, Alphonso David, and Keith Boykin will lead social impact moments highlighting Black and queer history. The Native Son Awards were established by media professional and professor Emil Wilbekin as part of the Native Son movement, providing a safe space for the Black gay community to come together and celebrate each other.
The gala, which began in 2016, serves as a fundraiser to support Native Son's programs and initiatives. Wilbekin emphasized the importance of the movement in the current social climate, highlighting the challenges faced by the Black gay and queer community. The Native Son Awards will take place on June 11 at the IAC Building in New York City during Pride Month, with former CNN broadcast journalist Don Lemon returning as the host for the third consecutive year.
In conclusion, the Native Son Awards celebrate the accomplishments and advocacy of Black gay and queer men, providing a platform to recognize their contributions and resilience. The event serves as a fundraiser to support Native Son's programs and initiatives, creating a safe space for the community to come together and celebrate their achievements. The honorees and performers will gather on June 11 in New York City to commemorate Pride Month and continue the mission of upholding the voice and visibility of Black gay and queer men.