The word "sassy" has often been used to describe gay men with bigger attitudes, witty shade, and often effeminate characteristics. Even today, gay men struggle with the pressure to be "masc," stemming back from sexist, misogynistic, and homophobic ideals about what it means to be a man.
For Black LGBTQ+ people, the fight for freedom is not just about remembrance—it’s about survival, dignity, and being seen in our fullness. At Oakland Pride, we recognize that none of us are free until all of us are free.