A National Expansion Centering Black Queer & Bisexual Men in Dialogue Around Health,
Wellness, and Community
April 2026 — United States — Following the powerful success of its inaugural gathering in
Atlanta, The Freelux Project proudly announces the launch of the Butch Queen’s Brunch &
Conversations Tour, a multi-city experience designed to create intentional, affirming spaces for Black queer and bisexual men to connect, reflect, and engage in critical conversations around health and wellness.
The pilot event, held in July 2025 in Atlanta, Georgia at Virgil’s Gullah Kitchen, brought
together over 95 Black queer and bisexual men for an afternoon of meaningful dialogue centered on sexual health, HIV prevention, mental health, and the importance of both chosen and biological family. Set against the backdrop of brunch and mimosas, the experience cultivated a safe, culturally grounded environment where vulnerability, joy, and empowerment coexisted.
Building on that momentum, The Freelux Project, with support from Gilead Sciences, will take the Butch Queen’s Brunch & Conversations on tour in 2026, expanding its reach and deepening its impact across key cities:
New Orleans, LA — June 7, 2026 (in partnership with Black Pride NOLA)
Dallas, TX — June 21, 2026 (in partnership with Dallas Southern Pride)
Miami, FL — October 2026
Washington, D.C. — October 2026 (In collaboration with Counter Culture)
As part of this national expansion, The Freelux Project is proud to introduce its signature access and prevention model: The Freelux Access Initiative: Testing for Tickets.
Through this initiative, The Freelux Project will partner with trusted local clinics and community health organizations in each tour city to provide HIV testing and linkage-to-care opportunities for local residents. Individuals who participate in testing and engage with prevention or care services will receive complimentary access to attend the Butch Queen’s Brunch & Conversations experience. Our current testing partners include Abounding Prosperity Inc (Dallas, TX) & CAN Community Health (Miami/South Florida). Our New Orleans & Washington D.C. testing partners will be announced soon.
More than an incentive, The Freelux Access Initiative: Testing for Tickets is designed as a
culturally responsive strategy to reduce barriers, normalize testing, and connect community
members to care in ways that feel affirming, empowering, and rooted in trust.
The tour aims to meet Black queer and bisexual men where they are socially, culturally, and geographically—while addressing the ongoing need for accessible, community-led spaces that center holistic health and lived experiences.
“At its core, Butch Queen’s Brunch & Conversations is about creating space. Space to be seen, to be heard, and to heal,” said Nathaniel Holley, Executive Director of The Freelux Project. “We are intentional about blending culture, conversation, and care in a way that resonates deeply within our community. Through The Freelux Access Initiative, we are not only creating experiences, we are building pathways to care, awareness, and sustained impact,” said Deondre Moore, Deputy Director of The Freelux Project.
“We believe that it is going to take a ‘more than medicine approach’ to end the HIV epidemic and that starts with partnering with organizations like The Freelux Project to bring awareness to community, to educate community,” said Darwin Thompson – Senior Director of Public Affairs at Gilead Sciences. “These are the critical moments where we have to bring conversations to community to ensure that we reach those who are at the margin…and ensure that everyone has a quality life and have the best sexual life that they can possibly have.”
Powered by Gilead Sciences, the tour reflects a shared commitment to advancing HIV prevention, reducing stigma, and investing in innovative, community-driven approaches that prioritize those most impacted.
Each stop of the tour will feature curated conversations, community storytelling, resource sharing, and opportunities for connections designed to foster trust, inspire action, and promote wellness in its fullest form.
For more information, to purchase tickets, or to learn how to access complimentary tickets through The Freelux Access Initiative, please visit: freeluxproject.org/bqbrunch
About The Freelux Project
The Freelux Project is a community-centered organization dedicated to advancing health equity, amplifying Black queer voices, and creating culturally responsive spaces that inspire connection, advocacy, and impact. Through innovative programming, storytelling, and partnerships, The Freelux Project continues to lead at the intersection of culture, community, and care.
Deondre Moore
Deputy Director, Community Impact
DMoore@freeluxproject.org