Eugene Jr.
Born in Los Angeles and raised on the south side of Chicago in Englewood and Auburn Gresham Neighborhoods.
In the late nineties, Eugene discovered that the Black gay community in Chicago was small and invisible compared to the white gay community. With the exception of the occasional gay night at a few venues and Jeffery Pub, one of the only Black gay clubs in Chicago, there were very few spaces where Eugene could freely express and explore his sexual identity. Eugene found himself immersed in a gay culture, centered around Boystown, which primarily catered to White gay men.
It wasn’t until his mid twenties that Eugene began to uncover the black gay community he so desperately craved. Over dinner one evening with fellow creator, Ladu Pearson, Eugene felt empowered to speak freely about his experiences as a Black gay male for the first time in his life. Realizing that there were others who had similar stories of negotiating questions of identity and navigating relationships with family and romantic partners was incredibly cathartic. Since that initial conversation, Eugene has worked tirelessly to create safe spaces for others to also explore what it means to be Black, gay, and male.
In 2008, as a member of the Windy City Black Pride planning committee, Eugene and Ladu facilitated an interactive panel discussion called The BlackOut, the year’s most highly attended session. That the room was packed to capacity is a powerful testament to the need and desire within the Black gay community to have these richer conversations. Eugene continues to foster connection and community across the country through The BlackOut workshop series and speaking engagements to ensure that the diverse voices of gay Black men are affirmed and celebrated.
Friends + Family
““My mother went on a silent out campaign within the family.””