Last fall, the Mobilizing Our Brothers Initiative (MOBI) launched MOBItalks, a three-part development series for Black, gay and queer men created to foster a sense of community. This May, MOBI returns in time for the weather break with MOBIfest, an interactive art experience that celebrates Black queer voices in fashion, music, visual arts, and media.
“With a focus on wellness, MOBI connects individuals to opportunities to better themselves before and during the event,”Dawn Richard, who’s headlining the festival, said in a statement. “This is the launch of MOBI’s first festival so it’s great to be asked to be the first headliner. It’s also cool because MOBI is giving local queer artists of color an opportunity and platform to perform during the festival as well.”
MOBIfest, which takes place May 17-19 is a free ticketed event. You can cop a pass by visiting one of MOBI’s community partners or wellness initiatives by May 11. Check out a list of partners below, then head to the website to learn more.
Brooklyn Locations:
AHF Brooklyn at Out of the Closet
475 Atlantic Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11217
Free Services Offered: Sexual Health; Supportive Services: Health Insurance, Mental Health, and Housing Assistance
Brooklyn Men Konnect (BMK) Drop-in Center
147 Utica Avenue, Brooklyn, NY, 11213
Free Services Offered: Sexual Health; Supportive Services: Health Insurance, SNAP, Harm Reduction, Mental Health, and Housing Assistance; Career Services: Employment Assistance
Bridging Access to Care
2261 Church Ave, Brooklyn, NY, 11226
Free Services Offered: Sexual Health; Supportive Services: Health Insurance, SNAP, Harm Reduction, Mental Health, and Housing Assistance; Career Services: Employment Assistance
Diaspora Community Services
921b East New York Ave, Brooklyn, NY, 11203
Free Services Offered: Sexual Health; Supportive Services: Health Insurance and SNAP
HEAT Program at SUNY Downstate
760 Parkside Ave, Room 308, Brooklyn, NY, 11226
Free Services Offered: Sexual Health; Supportive Services: Mental Health and Housing Assistance
HCC
3807 Church Avenue, Brooklyn NY 11203
Free Services Offered: Sexual Health; Supportive Services: Harm Reduction, Mental Health, and Housing Assistance; Wellness Services: Fitness, Zumba, and Food and Nutrition
Manhattan Locations:
William F. Ryan Community Health Center
110 West 97th Street, NY, NY, 10025
(between Columbus & Amsterdam Avenues)
Free Services Offered: Sexual Health; Supportive Services: Health Insurance, Harm Reduction, Mental Health, and Housing Assistance; Wellness Services: Zumba, Jazz Dance, and Food and Nutrition
Ryan/Chelsea-Clinton Community Health Center
645 Tenth Avenue, NY, NY, 10036
(between 45th & 46th Streets)
Free Services Offered: Sexual Health; Supportive Services: Health Insurance, Harm Reduction, Mental Health, and Housing Assistance; Wellness Services: Zumba, Jazz Dance, and Food and Nutrition
Ryan Nena Community Health Center
279 East Third Street, NY, NY, 10009
Free Services Offered: Sexual Health; Supportive Services: Health Insurance, Harm Reduction, Mental Health, and Housing Assistance; Wellness Services: Zumba, Jazz Dance, and Food and Nutrition