Patti LaBelle at DC Black Gay Pride

You may remember that this time last year, Patti LaBelle was embroiled in controversy over her decision to perform at the Easter Services of New Birth Missionary Baptist Church in Atlanta. The performance made waves because Patti LaBelle's core fan base has always been black gay men and the mega-church is headed by the rabidly anti-gay Bishop Eddie Long.

It's been a rocky year but apparently the fences are mended. Promoter Darryl Wilson is bringing Patti to Washington DC's Black Gay Pride. "This is Patti LaBelle's first time ever performing for a black gay pride event," Darryl notes, calling the event "history in the making." LaBelle will perform at 202 DC on Sunday, May 27.

Meanwhile, the diva will be honored this weekend at the 18th Annual GLAAD Media Awards in New York with the Excellence in Media Award. Should be a stellar show—Whoopi Goldberg will host and former NBA player John Amaechi will be in attendance.

Whoopi Goldberg to Open GLAAD Awards [Brdwy World]

202 DC [club]

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Comments

[greg g]

I never held that against Patti. She has been a longtime friend to the community. I think that her decision to perform at Long's church was insensitive but not a deal breaker.

[ca]

Patti Labelle has a strong record supporting black gay men. I was surprised when so many of us turned against her so quickly for that Easter performance--especially because we wanteed Patti to do what many of us are not willing.

Many homophobic anti-gay black churches have many black gay men in their pews and memberships ... some closet and many are not. We are still supporting those churches that turn their backs on us. We have to get our own house in order first.

[MissRossToYou]

Patti's decision to perform is neither insensitive nor does it align her with Bishop Long. Patti has a gospel album out and it needs to make money. She is donating her proceeds to cancer research. She is going to the biggest church in the area. Despite what Patti's fan base is or has been she has never performed at a gay pride event. Nor has she ever been a vocal supporter of gay rights, etc. Maybe you should be more critical of Patti given who has kept her career afloat since Labelle. Spread the criticism.

[derrick]

Miss Ross:

Perhaps you missed the point of the article?

PATTI IS PERFORMING at black gay pride. That's much more than Miss Diana Ross has ever given to our community.

[er]

There is no need to diva-debate. Patti is performing now, if there ever was any confusion, that should clear things up, right?

[gio]

I agree with MISS ROSS. Patti performing at the church was simply because it is the city's largest black church and was at the Georgia Dome, more or less like the Coretta King funeral.

I'll be in DC and will LOVE to hear her SANG!!!!

[a.thomas.c.]

will we ever be honest and say that though Long may be "rabidly anti-gay," that many of his members are queer (lesbians and gays)? and it's more than simply them sitting under their own oppression...

[MissRossToYou]

I, in no way missed the point of the article. You , however did seem to miss my point. Please re-read with more skill to reading comprehension.

[mrcee]

First of all Patti has embraced many gays openly, clearly those saying she has not have not been to her live shows. Also Patti did do a gay benefit in Canada way before this. People please give it a rest!!!

[A NEED TO KNOW]

DID YOU KNOW THAT PATTI WILL BE SINGING ONLY (1) ONE SONG DOING DC BLACK PRIDE SO YOU PAY 50.00 AND BE 30 MINS LATE YOU WILL MISS THIS DIVA

[zach]

I have spent alot of time in atlanta. I know a gay guy who goes to Eddie Long's church. Im not sure why he insists on going there but I do agree with other writers that there are many gay/bi people who go to Eddie Long's church. I am a big fan of Patti. I don't feel that this should be held against her. She is a very busy woman and she may not of knew just how homophobic Eddie Long (appears) to be. I see her on TBN and have also heard of her at other churches. Yeah it is a surprise that so many would turn on her so fast. I go to a church that is not very gay friendly but not very homophobic either. HOwever, my presence there helps others because when asked I do tell. I have lived in several places and have belonged to more gay friendly churches before. HOwever, that is not the case for everyone. Having a degree in religion and being in a church that is not particularly gay friendly I am able to use my knowledge to help others realize that Christ does love us regardless of our orientation and that there are others like them in the church. Thank God for the gay friendly churches, but there are many who will need to be encouraged within not so gay friendly churches. Patti needs to keep up good work.