7 Things That Are Everything This Week

Boston Black Pride

Honoring Black History Month, Boston Black Pride is happening now in Beantown. Events include a discussion on the role of African-American women in the fight against AIDS and a drag paint party on Saturday night. Additonal events are being added as we speak; click here for more info.

Big Gay Ice Skate in NYC

Over 400 queers are expected to descend on Bryant Park on Sunday night for the Big Gay Ice Skate event. A surprise guest performer is expected and a portion of the event's proceeds will go to the city's Ali Forney Center, which benefits LGBT youth. More info here.

I Am Not Your Negro

I Am Not Your Negro is not a biopic on James Baldwin; it is a lesson from the black gay author on race and resistance in America. Narrated by Samuel L. Jackson, the documentary gives voice to the late activist's words from his writings, including essays from Notes of a Native Son and an unfinished book, Remember This House, about the lives and assassinations of leaders of the movement: Martin Luther King Jr., Malcolm X, and Medgar Evers. In turn, the documentary shows the different methods of resistance and revolution employed by these leaders. Directed by Raoul Peck, the film shows scenes of protest and violence from the civil rights movement, coupled with present-day parallels, a timely reminder of what America must do and how far it still must go in the fight for equality. See it in select theaters this weekend.

MIX NYC's New York Queer Experimental Film Festival

For decades, MIX NYC has used media and art to raise visibility of HIV and marginalized communities. Its New York Queer Experimental Film Festival is the Big Apple's longest-running queer film event, which has helped foster the careers of artists like Gus Van Sant, Jennie Livingston, Todd Haynes, Christine Vachon, and more. The 2017 festival runs through Sunday and is a vital showcase of international art and activism. Learn more at MIXNYC29.org.

Equality Illinois Gala

If you're in Chicago this weekend, put on your tux or ball gown and your dancing shoes, and get ready to party hearty for equal rights at the Equality Illinois gala, the largest LGBT gala in the Midwest. The event includes cocktails, dinner, dancing, a silent auction, and an awards presentation, all at the Hilton Chicago. Chicago Human Relations Commissioner Mona Noriega and Personal PAC CEO Terry Cosgrove will both receive the Equality Illinois Freedom Award for their lifelong commitment to fighting for the civil rights and personal freedoms of all Illinoisans, and the Ann and Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago will receive the Equality Illinois Business Leadership Award for its dedication to improving the lives of LGBT Illinoisans. The festivities start at 6 p.m. Saturday; get tickets here.

Super Bowl Halftime Show With Lady Gaga

Everyone's wondering if Lady Gaga, who is no fan of Donald Trump, will get political during her halftime show at the Super Bowl. Gaga's reps and the NFL have both denied there's a gag order on the singer, and at a press conference Thursday, she said the show will highlight "inclusion" and the "spirit of equality." "Essentially, that kid that couldn't get a seat at the cool kids' table and that kid who was kicked out of the house because his mom and dad didn't accept him for who he was? That kid is going to have the stage for 13 minutes," she said. "And I'm excited to give it to them." Also performing will be Tony Bennett, Gaga's duet partner on the album Cheek to Cheek. The show happens halfway through this football game between the Atlanta Falcons and the New England Patriots at NRG Stadium in Houston. The game starts at 6:30 p.m. Eastern and will be televised on Fox.

Desert Hearts screening in L.A.

On Saturday, the Outfest UCLA Legacy Project is screening a new restoration of the iconic 1985 queer film Desert Hearts at Los Angeles's Hammer Museum. Based on Jane Rule's novel, Desert of the Heart, the film is a lesbian love story between a young casino worker and university professor seeking a divorce from her husband. Past the juicy romance and lush love scenes, the film takes the audience on an in-depth journey of one woman's sexual awakening and road to self-acceptance. Director Donna Deitch will be at Saturday's screening and hopefully answer questions on her revolutionary film. Click here for more tickets and more info.