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The Normal Anomaly Initiative Ignites Black History Month with Historic Strides for Houston’s Black LGBTQ+ Community
Houston, TX – February 1, 2024 – As Black History Month unfolds, The Normal Anomaly Initiative, Inc. proudly celebrates its three-year anniversary, honoring and making Black history with the grand opening of Houston’s only standalone space for Black LGBTQ+ individuals in the Historic Third Ward. Houston’s Third Ward has been called the cradle of the city’s civil rights movement and will continue to serve the community with a renewed sense of purpose and commitment.
Most of the social activism from the African American community grew out of the Third Ward during the period of segregation, and now, when the human rights of LGBTQ+ individuals and families are politicized and threatened, the need for intersectional support is more crucial than ever before. The Normal Anomaly Initiative, Inc. were inspired by the community and decided to make history for themselves, opening Houston’s inaugural Black LGBTQ+ space in March 2021. Now, on their third anniversary, they unveil the history-making space dedicated to empowering and uplifting the Black LGBTQ+ community in the heart of the Historic Third Ward.
Over the past three years, The Normal Anomaly Initiative has been a beacon of progress, gaining visibility on platforms like The Jennifer Hudson Show and the Lil Nas X ‘Baby Registry.’
Looking forward, this year’s landmark achievement will be commemorated with a celebration during the Black Queer Advancement Festival (BQAF) on March 14-17, 2024. BQAF has evolved into a cornerstone for the Black, queer+ community, reaching over 3,000 people annually.
Founder Ian L. Haddock expressed excitement, stating, “Houston’s Black LGBTQ+ community has inspired us to continue making history. This three-year milestone is just the beginning of our commitment to resilience and empowerment, and we are excited to see what more we can achieve together.”
Houston City Controller Chris Hollins added, “Creating empowering spaces for the Black LGBTQ+ community is crucial…I’m inspired by The Normal Anomaly’s commitment and look forward to supporting the celebration in March!”
About The Normal Anomaly Initiative, Inc.:
Founded by Ian L. Haddock in June 2016 in Houston, Texas as a storytelling blog, The Normal Anomaly Initiative has grown to become a Houston staple in the community-based social advocacy world dedicated to the forward mobility of all black, queer people. In March 2021, The Normal Anomaly opened the BQ Plus Center for Liberation, a Black, Queer-led center located in Houston.
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