The Brother Circle of Cleveland was a social support and empowerment community group for same-gender loving, gay, bisexual, and transgender African American men in Cleveland. Brother Circle’s primary purpose was to “empower and raise the consciousness” of African American same-gender loving men in Cleveland, “while creating a safe, nurturing environment…sensitive to the needs of the community of sexually diverse men of African descent.” Brother Circle meetings were initially held on the third Sunday of every month at Oasis Center, 13402 Kinsman Road. By 2000, Brother Circle meetings relocated to 5124 Mayfield Road in Lyndhurst. In an effort to “maximize scarce resources” available to the African American LGBT community, Brother Circle Cleveland merged with BlackOut Unlimited in 2001. After merging with BlackOut, Brother Circle held its weekly meetings at BlackOut’s office, 2800 Euclid Avenue.
Additional information coming soon.
Resources
- Dallas, John. “‘Body Splash’ Night Raises Funds, Teaches Safer Sex.” Gay People’s Chronicle. September 13, 1996. Page 4.
- Oatman, Michael. “BlackOut is Ohio’s African American SGL Connection.” Gay People’s Chronicle. Pride Guide 2004. Page A-33.
- “The Brother Circle Cleveland.” BlackOut Unlimited.