Under The Same Sun

Rainbow Of Colors Under the Sun - The packed beach in Cherry Grove during FIBO in 2009
 
Fire Island is truly an escape for everyone. And that’s never more apparent than during Fire Island Black Out, or FIBO, an annual weekend welcoming gays of color and their friends to the gay island paradise for performances, parties, and plain old fun in the sun. However, Philadelphia promoter and FIBO organizer James Wellons notes that FIBO is not just an all-black event. “The original organizers of FIBO chose the name due to the event’s locality and as a reflection of the majority of its initial attendees,” he explains. “As FIBO progresses so does its ethnic composition.” We chatted with Wellons about this year’s event and what guests of all colors can hope to find.
 
FIBO was created as an alternative beach event for the New York LGBT community. Why is this alternative necessary?
While FIBO welcomes everyone regardless of race, gender or sexual orientation, the majority of our attendees are LGBT people of color. FIBO is one of a handful of national events where the LGBT community of color can come together to celebrate and share our community with our families, friends and the rest of the world.
 
What do you feel has made the event so successful over the past few years?
The atmosphere is exciting, welcoming and friendly. Everyone is there to have a good time. What started out with 50 people in 2003 has grown to an expected 4,000 people this year.
 
Speaking of this year, anything new or different about the festivities?
A lot! We added a writers’ panel featuring four prolific and accomplished gay authors of color discussing relationships, the down low, gay marriage and other interesting topics. We also added a poetry slam and spoken-word contest at the Ice Palace. And we celebrity hosts for all of our events!


What performances are you most excited about?
Grammy-nominated artist Brian Slade [formerly known as Tonéx] will perform with a live band. Tonéx is known for his gospel records, but his musical efforts also include R&B, soul and hip-hop. He will present his distinct secular sounds exclusively to FIBO attendees during our legendary Bump & Dip Dance and Pool Party.


What challenges face New York’s gay black community in 2010?
If the gay black community in New York is like that of Philadelphia, then I would say that one significant challenge is funding for those organizations that benefit our community. This is why part of FIBO’s mission is to raise awareness about non-profit organizations that provide life-sustaining resources to the LGBT community of color. This year the net proceeds from FIBO will benefit the Housing Works Haiti AIDS Relief Fund and the Ali Forney Center for homeless LGBT teens. In addition, we will make a contribution to the Beach Preservation Fund of the Friends of the Fire Island National Seashore.    N
 
Fire Island Black Out (FIBO) runs August 13–15 in Cherry Grove on Fire Island. Visit FireIslandBlackOut.com for more info.