Black men have always found strength in one another. Through shared experience, community, and culture, the bond between Black men has remained a powerful source of connection and pride. But that bond hasn’t always been inclusive—especially for queer Black men. BLK, the largest dating and social app for the Black community, is taking a bold step forward to change that. This Pride Month, their campaign Solidarity is for the Homies aims to reshape what Black brotherhood means—by making it radically inclusive.

Too often, queer Black men have been left on the sidelines in conversations around masculinity and brotherhood. From silence to subtle dismissals, these men have faced barriers within their own community—barriers that shouldn’t exist. The push for acceptance must go beyond tolerance. It must be about belonging. Solidarity is for the Homies isn’t just a Pride Month slogan; it’s a movement grounded in honesty, empathy, and deep cultural connection.

With real stories, raw conversations, and meaningful tools, BLK is building something that feels personal and urgent. The campaign is a tribute to what’s possible when straight and queer Black men come together in support, not suspicion. Keep reading to discover how this campaign is changing the conversation—one pledge, one sticker, and one powerful conversation at a time.

Survey Shows Progress—and the Work Still Ahead

At the core of Solidarity is for the Homies is a nationwide survey that explores how Black men perceive and engage with queer identity, friendship, and masculinity. Nearly 3,000 Black men participated, offering a rare and candid glimpse into the realities of brotherhood in today’s world. While almost half of respondents identify as allies to queer men, the data also reflects the distance that still exists.

For instance, 61% of those surveyed said they’ve never avoided friendships with queer Black men. That’s a strong signal of progress. But the survey also reveals that over 30% have laughed at or made harmful comments about queer people, and more than half admitted they might not speak up if they saw a queer friend being harassed in public. These numbers are sobering—but they’re not without hope.

What stands out most in the data is a hunger for growth. Participants expressed a strong desire for more open conversations, education, and better examples of healthy, supportive relationships across different identities. You can view the full survey results here.

A Video Series That Gets Real About Friendship

The centerpiece of BLK’s campaign is a moving video series hosted by content creator Ziggy Mack Johnson. In each of the three episodes, a queer and straight Black man—real-life friends—sit down for an open and vulnerable chat. These aren’t rehearsed moments. They’re raw, relatable, and incredibly necessary.

Episode one, which premiered June 11, sets the tone. Watch it here. In it, the friends talk about trust, misunderstanding, and ultimately, what it takes to stand by someone whose identity might differ from your own. They don’t gloss over the hard stuff. Missteps are acknowledged. Growth is celebrated. And what you see is what so many men crave—a friendship built on truth.

Ziggy Mack Johnson’s role isn’t just that of a host—he’s also part of the story. His passion for the project shines through. “This series is about showing the love, the struggles, and the realness that holds us together as Black brothers, no matter who we love,” he said. It’s this blend of entertainment and emotional honesty that gives the series its staying power.

A Sticker That Says You’re With Us

Symbolism matters—and BLK knows it. That’s why they’ve added an in-app Ally Sticker, created by Black illustrator Davian Chester, to help users show their support for queer men directly on their profiles. It’s a small but bold move that transforms allyship from a concept into a visible statement.

Adding the sticker isn’t just about flair—it’s about visibility. For queer men on the app, seeing those who support them helps make the space feel safer and more affirming. For allies, it’s a way to say: “You matter. I’ve got your back.” In an environment where dating apps can feel performative, this gesture hits differently.

More than anything, the sticker sparks conversation. It encourages men—whether questioning, curious, or committed allies—to consider what it means to support one another meaningfully, not just passively. It’s a beautiful moment where design meets purpose.

Signing the Solidarity Pledge

Beyond aesthetics, the campaign goes deep with the Solidarity Pledge—a personal promise to push past performative gestures and commit to action. It’s available directly within the BLK app, and it invites users to consciously reject stereotypes, speak up in the face of discrimination, and commit to learning more about the LGBTQ experience.

The pledge turns intention into responsibility. It’s easy to say you’re an ally. But signing your name, even virtually, hits differently. It’s an act of accountability that says, “I’m willing to do the work.” The fact that this feature is built directly into the app makes it feel accessible and real. It’s not some hidden tab or buried setting—it’s front and center.

Importantly, the pledge is not just for straight men. Queer users are also encouraged to sign and share it as a form of self-affirmation and a way to invite dialogue within their circles. In every sense, the pledge encourages mutual growth. It’s not just about who we stand with—it’s about who we become by standing together.

Campaign Built From the Inside Out

BLK’s Solidarity is for the Homies campaign is different because it doesn’t preach from a distance. It speaks from the inside out—from the lived realities of Black men trying to connect, heal, and show up better for each other. It was designed by people who know this struggle firsthand and who believe in building community, not just courting attention.

Amber Cooper, Brand Manager at BLK, summed up the heartbeat of the campaign best: “Our goal is to build something authentic, something that doesn’t just check a box but truly honors the diverse experiences within Black brotherhood.” That authenticity shows. From the video series to the sticker to the pledge, every element of this campaign is deeply considered and rooted in culture.

BLK has always stood for connection. But this Pride Month, they’re making it clear that connection without inclusion is incomplete. And for Black queer men, that message couldn’t come soon enough.

Let’s Keep Talking About Solidarity

The work of building inclusive brotherhood isn’t finished—and it won’t be until every queer Black man feels fully seen and supported. BLK’s Solidarity is for the Homies campaign is a powerful start, but it’s just that: a start. Real change happens in the daily moments—when we speak up, when we listen, when we show up for our friends. Have you seen the series? Signed the pledge? Share your thoughts in the comments—because every experience adds to the conversation, and every voice matters.