The Black Gay Men’s Network of Ontario is a centralized hub for same-gender-loving men of African, African diaspora, Afro-Latino, Caribbean and Black identities, operating from Toronto as an independent and autonomous entity. Their goal is to provide cultural, intergenerational and mentorship opportunities, leadership, self-development and empowerment as well as activism support aimed at improving the lives of Black queer people in Ontario.

Myst Milano is a Toronto-based multidisciplinary artist best known for being a rapper, producer and D.J. whose high energy, genre-defying sets are their trademark. They have moved crowds across Canada as well as internationally, and shared stages with other artists such as, DMC, Thundercat, Ashanti & Ja Rule, and Lizzo, to name a few. A staple in Toronto’s nightlife scene, you might find Myst booking artists as Music Coordinator and resident DJ for The RUDE Collective, contributing as a Principal member of up and coming collective, label Raven’s Vision (and playing with them on ISO Radio every 3rd Thursday), or playing raw, electrifying shows in Toronto’s downtown core.

Polly Perry is the CEO and Event Director of Polly Perry Events, An Openmind Group and Co-Founder of the Afro-Caribbean Vegan Market. She has been a part of Toronto’s community for over 20 years. She is one of the pioneers of the Black Queer Event Scene in Toronto. In 2000, a time when there were limited options for the Black Queer Community to safely gather, celebrate, socialize and be themselves; Polly and her business partner Janet founded Club Manhattan which was at the time, the only and still is the longest ran weekly Queer Urban Event Space for POC in Canada. Many of today’s amazing stars graced the stage and the dance-floors of Club Manhattan.