The Atlanta Marriott Marquis was the place to be on Oct. 31 as hundreds turned out for the 4th annual Gentlemen’s Ball. The signature event for The Gentlemen’s Foundation, a non-profit organization dedicated to the healthy development of gay and bisexual men of color through support, empowerment and mentoring has quickly become the must-attend event for gay and bisexual men of color across the country.
This year’s theme: “Beyond The Mask,” gave attendees the opportunity to celebrate Halloween in an upscale fashion.
Gee Session-Smalls, co-founder of The Gentlemen’s Foundation along with husband Juan Session-Smalls tells Georgia Voice that they hope “to help transform how society perceives gay men of color,” through the work of The Gentlemen’s Foundation and annual ball. “We want to help show our youth that you can be a proud gay man and there is nothing to be ashamed of,” says Session-Smalls
”The evening was co-hosted by Cynthia Bailey (The Real Housewives of Atlanta) and Karamo Brown (Huff Post Live).
Congressman John Lewis received the Gentleman of Alliance award, a new award added this year to honor LGBT allies. “Blackbird” director and creator of gay television series “Noah’s Arc,” Patrik-Ian Polk, received the Gentleman of Excellence Award. Vaughn Alvarez received The Gentlemen of Promise Award, Dedrick Tillerson received the Gentleman of Service Award, Marck Angel received the Gentlemen of Artistry Award and Nevada State Senator Kelvin Atkinson received The Gentleman of the Year Award.
(Photos by Darian Aaron)
