Wellness That Matters: Black Health News & Community Care
- National survey shows mixed attitudes: 48% allies, 36% uncomfortable, 32.4% reported making or laughing at derogatory jokes.
- Three-part video series with authentic conversations led by Ziggy Mack Johnson highlights vulnerability and shared Black brotherhood.
- In-app tools include a limited-edition sticker by Davian Chester, the Ally Badge, and the Solidarity Pledge encouraging visible, intentional allyship.
- Policy changes limit specialized 988 LGBTQ+ support; The Trevor Project stop-work order makes grassroots solidarity and safe communities urgent.
BLK is the leading social and dating app for the Black community and has launched a transformative Pride Month 2025 campaign titled Solidarity is for the Homies. This initiative seeks to strengthen the bonds between straight and queer Black men. This aims to redefine Black brotherhood as a space of inclusivity and respect.
Insights from the Survey
Their campaign consists of multiple components, one of which is a national survey of nearly 3,000 Black men. This was conducted to reveal the complexities within the community and to identify lingering tensions in society. While 48.4% identify as allies to queer Black men, 36% remain uncomfortable with these friendships. Furthermore, 32.4% have either made or laughed at derogatory jokes about queer Black men which showcases the ongoing need for conversations and understanding. However, nearly half recognize the unique challenges their queer counterparts face which shows a growth in empathy.
Key Findings
Their Comfort With Queer Friendships
- 39.8% are comfortable with close, platonic friendships with queer Black men
- 36% are uncomfortable, and 24.3% are neutral.
Derogatory Comments
- 32.4% have made or laughed at derogatory comments about queer Black men
- 43.5% claim they never have
Defending a Queer Friend
- 46.6% would publicly defend a queer Black friend against attacks on their masculinity or identity
- 23.6% would not
Stereotypes
- 58.2% have heard stereotypes about queer Black men (33.4% “overly flamboyant,” 16.7% “threat to traditional Black culture”)
- 36.2% claim they haven’t
Avoiding Friendships
- 23.4% have avoided friendships with queer Black men due to others’ perceptions
- 61% have not
Allyship
- 48.4% say they’re already strong allies
- 19.4% want more positive queer-straight friendship examples
Campaign Features and Positive Change
The campaign also features a three-part video series created with Ziggy Mack Johnson, a Los Angeles-based content creator. The series features open conversations between straight and queer Black friends, capturing moments of vulnerability and authenticity.
Ziggy notes, “This series is about showing the love, the struggles, and the realness that holds us together as Black brothers, no matter who we love. It’s personal for me because these conversations remind us that, at the core, we all want to be seen, accepted, and supported.” Episode 1 premiered on June 11 on BLK’s YouTube Channel. Watch Episode 1 here.
The BLK app invites users to actively participate in this cultural shift through meaningful tools. One feature includes a limited-edition in-app profile sticker designed by graphic artist Davian Chester. This sticker is designed to celebrate and support queer Black men, encouraging users to make a visible statement of allyship. By incorporating this sticker into their profiles, users can promote meaningful conversations and foster a more inclusive community. Take a look at the sticker here.
Additional features of the campaign, such as the Ally Badge and Solidarity Pledge, are designed to foster intentional allyship and create a nurturing, supportive environment.
Amber Cooper, BLK’s Brand Manager, emphasizes, “At BLK, we don’t just create campaigns — we tell stories that come from the heart of our community… ‘Solidarity is for the Homies’ is real, honest, and necessary because it reflects the complexities, joys, and challenges that Black men face every day. Our goal is to build something authentic, something that doesn’t just check a box but truly honors the diverse experiences within Black brotherhood”. As Solidarity is for the Homies promotes deeper conversations and fosters meaningful relationships, it extends a warm invitation to anyone seeking a place of understanding and acceptance. Through captivating stories, inclusive tools, and open dialogue, BLK hopes to build a community where everyone feels valued. The BLK app is ready to welcome you to join its journey toward unity and solidarity.
We Need Solidarity Now More Than Ever
Initiatives like these are critical as we hear news that the federal government announced that it has directed the national suicide prevention hotline to stop giving specialized support to LGBTQ+ callers. Saying they will be directed to the general number.
The Trevor Project, a nonprofit that had been providing specialized support, received a stop-work order, effective July 17, 2025, according to The New York Times.
While there will no longer be a 988 number for services, The Trevor Project will continue to offer resources through their nonprofit’s hotline numbers. These proposed cuts were not intended to take effect until next year, so the organization is scrambling.
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