Better Brothers Los Angeles (BBLA) is excited to announce that as part of this year’s celebration of PRIDE Month, they will highlight PRIDE HEROES whose lives and accomplishments are testaments to the many contributions made by the Black LGBTQ+ Community. This year’s celebration of PRIDE is especially important and necessary given the legislative assaults across the country on our rights and lives. As we attend PRIDE parades and celebrations, we must remember that many are working diligently to remove any trace of our humanity, our lives, and our love. “This series is a ‘Life Thread’ and celebration of the individuals who have dared to dream, who have faced adversity with unwavering courage, and who have left an indelible mark on the world. It is a reminder that every thread, no matter how small, contributes to the fabric of our collective community.” says Scott Hamilton, Co-founder of BBLA.
And so, each day of June, on all its social media platforms, BBLA will showcase a PRIDE HERO as a reminder that our collective and individual humanity cannot be dismissed or legislated away and that our collective and individual fight continues in the quest to make the world more inclusive and equitable. The list of PRIDE HEROES includes history makers, influencers, and trailblazers:
 courtesy Better Brothers LA Bishop Yvette Flunder – Womanist and Queer rights activist, Bishop Flunder is the founder and Senior Pastor of City of Refuge UCC. With her ministry, Bishop Flunder has broken barriers in relation to Queer faith-based churches, created a spiritual community to free people from oppressive theologies; and pioneered movements to remove the stigma of HIV/AIDS and homophobia. Bishop Flunder’s achievements have been depicted in movies and television, including the recent PBS documentary “The Black Church: this is our story, this is our song.”
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 courtesy Better Brothers LA |
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Jason Lee – CEO of entertainment news site Hollywood Unlocked, Executive Producer of The Jason Lee Show, and culture critic Jason Lee’s media reach has shaped how entertainment news is produced. Regarding Pride, Lee has stated, “While diversity, inclusivity, and tolerance should be practiced every day, Pride Month helps shine the spotlight on LGBTQ causes…”
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 courtesy Better Brothers LA |
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Cheryl Dunye – As a seminal filmmaker, Cheryl Dunye’s mold-breaking films authentically showcasing Black, lesbian stories – coupled with her experimental documentaries dubbed ‘dunymentaries’ – catapulted her into the arts scene of the early 90s into a historic career today. The first “out” Black lesbian to direct a feature film “The Watermelon Woman”, Dunye supports rising Black, Queer, filmmakers through her Oakland- based production company Jingletown and is a leader in the Queer New Wave of Cinema.
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 courtesy Better Brothers LA |
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Aaron Walton – Recently inducted into the Advertising Hall of Fame, Aaron Walton is a leading force for change and representation in publishing. As CEO/Co-Founder of Walton Isaacson; Walton’s breadth of work and advocacy has been recognized internationally for transforming advertising agency strategies by promoting diversity and breaking archaic approaches. Inspired by Bayard Rustin, Walton believes, “every community needs a group of angelic troublemakers.”
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 courtesy Better Brothers LA |
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Jeffery Wallace – Social entrepreneur and President/CEO of the influential nonprofit, LeadersUp, Jeffery Wallace, bridges the socioeconomic gaps in youth unemployment throughout California and Chicago. His work provides a direct impact on our community and provides educational, and economic transformation by investing and empowering the potential of young people, today.
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 courtesy Better Brothers LA |
Rashaan Patterson – Influential R&B, soul, funk singer/songwriter and actor; Rahsaan Patterson’s presence as an openly gay artist in the music industry has never deterred him from living as his most authentic self. Carving commercial and cultural success in an industry reliant on labels, Patterson displayed his Pride openly and maintained a creative lane that opened doors for artists today while continuing to showcase his critically-acclaimed distinctive sound.
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 courtesy Better Brothers LA |
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Ellene Miles – A leader in championing LGBTQ+, and POC voices in publicity and marketing, Ellene Miles is the SVP of Global Intersectional Marketing at Sony Pictures. Launching game changing campaigns for iconic projects such as “Dreamgirls’’ and “Girlfriends,” among others, her career highlights the importance of advocating for and strategic engagement of multicultural, intersectional audiences. Ms. Miles illuminates her Pride by elevating the representation of our community
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 courtesy Better Brothers LA |
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Karamo Brown – Emmy nominee, TV host, author, life coach, and the first openly gay Black man on reality television; Karamo Brown has trailblazed an entertainment career that defies constraint. In addition to his LGBTQ+ rights work, his inspiring fatherhood journey shines light on Queer parenting. Regarding Pride, Karamo is passionate about all members of the Queer community and straight allies “do the work”; and finding ways to create spaces for women, and trans folks to be seen.
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 courtesy Better Brothers LA |
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Colman Domingo – Emmy Award winner, Tony nominee, and star of the upcoming biopic “Rustin”; Colman Domingo’;s artistry is rooted in Black, Queer joy. With a career spanning over 30 years in film, TV, and stage, his range is expansive as his influence for uplifting Queer voices. By openly discussing his own journey and embracing his identity, Colman Domingo has become an inspiration to many in the LGBTQ+ community. His advocacy work and support for Pride events demonstrate his commitment to fostering a more inclusive and accepting society.
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 courtesy Better Brothers LA |
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Violet Palmer – Currently retired, former basketball player; and NBA and WNBA referee Violet Palmer made history as the first woman to officiate an NBA playoff and the first to reach the highest competitive level of sports officiant in U.S. history. Shattering gender barriers met with initial controversy but her efforts have transformed her profession for future generations. Mrs. Palmer’s legacy is cemented through her referee youth training camp, and her later work in NBA management, after refereeing over 919 NBA games.
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