Mission Statement

Jacksonville's LGBTQ Urban Affair is committed to providing a wholesome space for professional  LGBTQ African Americans, by way of networking, and cultural civic engagement.

History

Jacksonville's LGBTQ Urban affair is a by-product of the L.O.V.E (Lifting Our Voices of Equality) Coalition, which was formed in Atlanta, Georgia. In August of 2004, a discussion arose from the members of the gay, lesbian and transgender community at an Atlanta LGBTQ (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer) Black Pride seminar surrounding concerns regarding homophobia within the African American community. Many brave LGBTQ attendees spoke out and shared their heartbreaking experiences of oppression that they had faced in the African community and its churches. Recognizing the dire need for these issues to be addressed, Executive Director and Founder, Stephon Collins, addressed the room and requested that all attendees interested in discussing potential methods to free our communities from this oppressive mentality and behavior sign up to attend a meeting. Two weeks later, the group met to brainstorm and create "freedom methods", and as a result, the L.O.V.E. Coalition was formed.

Organization's Aspiration:

In hopes of carrying out the spirit of this parent organization, the founder has embarked upon a mission to address the discrimination and homophobia that professional LGBTQ persons encounter in various fields of the profession while residing in North Florida. 

Jacksonville LGBTQ Urban Affair will provide an opportunity for individuals of color from every aspect and professional genre to congregate, network and to socialize in a professional environment.

Vision Statement:  

To create a community of inclusivity, where LGBTQ African Americans are able to thrive free of discrimination or homophobia of any form or fashion. 

About the Founder:

Stephon Collins is a native of Georgia, where he received his formative education, and later relocated to Atlanta, Ga.  While residing in Atlanta, Ga., he enrolled in Morris Brown College and received his B.S. degree in Social Science. 

As time progressed, he enrolled in Cambridge College of Cambridge, Ma. and received his Master of Education degree in Education. Over a course of twenty-odd years, Stephon has dedicated his time and effort to working in the field of Public Health. His personal Mantra is: " Always give your best to the world, and the world will give its best to you"