Black queer men deserve to be celebrated. That’s something the Native Son Awards has known and delivered over the past decade, and in 2026, the organization’s 10th anniversary, it was no different. Founded by Emil Wilbekin, Native Son consistently amplifies the voices, talents and needs of Black queer men. Its recent 10th anniversary ceremony — held on the fifth anniversary of Juneteenth — served as an extension of that mission at the height of Pride Month.
Hosted by HBO and Pose-alum Dashaun Wesley, the evening was filled with moving tributes, personal testimony and well-earned flowers for its honorees. It was a family reunion or homecoming for many in attendance.
The night opened with a performance from another Pose alum, actor and singer Dyllón Burnside, who debuted new music from his forthcoming project, Genesis, which he has been teasing across social media. Burnside incorporated elements of Victoria Monét’s “Alright” into the performance, with choreography that matched its energy and release.
Wilbekin then took the stage to welcome attendees and reflect on Native Son’s evolution, specifically acknowledging the community at the heart of the organization’s work.
“I want to thank you all for showing up, for saying yes, for being bold, for being unapologetic, for coming into this space and holding energy for Black queer men so that we can be free on this Juneteenth,” Wilbekin said. “We are thankful for the ancestors.”
The first honoree of the evening was producer-director Anthony Hemingway. Fresh off a wave of buzz surrounding Hulu’s All’s Fair, the television and film heavyweight received his flowers from longtime friend and collaborator Cynthia Erivo.
Erivo, with her signature warmth and charm, reflected on their creative relationship in poetic fashion.
“If your task is to play Aretha Franklin, yes, you need a director that has an understanding of music, that has a style,” she said. “You need a director who will hold your hand every step of the way. That isn’t what Anthony did. He took my hand and never let it slip. Being on a set with Anthony is like being in the presence of literal sunshine — the perfect light, and just enough heat to keep you warm. He cultivates a set where everyone feels safe.”
Hemingway rushed to the stage and warmly embraced Erivo before beginning his remarks. The New York City native jokingly referenced the Knicks’ NBA Championship run, telling the audience, “I’m from the BX, and the Knicks winning, man…”
He then spoke candidly about the importance of being visible and proud as a queer Black man.
“I grew up in McKinley Projects, and the Bronx life did not always look like it does now,” Hemingway said. “There was mortality, challenges, setbacks, losses and moments when I could not see what God was preparing for. Not because I didn’t have dreams, but because I couldn’t see the path. That’s why visibility matters. You can’t become what you can’t see.”
While joy and celebration anchored the evening, advocacy remained at the forefront. Longtime Native Son Awards sponsor Gilead Sciences used its support for the event to continue conversations about sexual health and HIV prevention, with a particular focus on the ongoing work to eliminate stigma within the Black queer community.
Rashad Burgess, Vice President, Corporate Responsibility, Gilead Sciences, spoke to the importance of expanding access to information, resources and care while ensuring Black queer people are centered in conversations around wellness and prevention.
Beyond Gilead’s continued support for sexual health awareness, the company also sponsored the Native Son Fellows, a new initiative that provides funding to seven artists and creatives to advance their professional and creative endeavors. This year’s cohort included Osaze Akil, LaQuann Dawson, Frank Grimsley, Shahem McLaurin, Trey Sherman, and Jay Tibbitts.
One of the night’s most anticipated honorees was Durand Bernarr. The Grammy-winning singer brought his trademark vibrancy and charisma to the stage as he accepted his award. Before Bernarr accepted the honor, seasoned television host and friend Tamron Hall introduced him, offering insight into their friendship and the intersection of Pride and fatherhood in honor of Father’s Day. The timing felt especially resonant, as their episode had been preempted by the Knicks and ultimately aired on Juneteenth, the day of the awards and two days before Father’s Day.
Bernarr wasted no time sharing what he believes in, framing his unabashed presence and pride as a form of defiance in a world that once counted him out.
“We’ve been quoting James Baldwin all night, and as he said, ‘The place in which I’ll fit will not exist until I make it,’” Bernarr said. “For most of my life, I have carried those words without even knowing their source. As a little Black boy, full of zest and fervor for things that sparkled, shined and made a little extra noise on my behalf, I learned early that authenticity comes at a cost.
“At seven years old, I knew that if I walked outside wearing pink sneakers that I colored pink with my Barbie doll in hand, somebody’s fear masquerading as parenting would see my joy as an invitation for correction. Yet, I did it anyway. Not because I was brave, but because I was free before I knew the world would require me to fight for that freedom.”
For the first time ever, Native Son expanded beyond the awards into a full weekend experience, including the launch of the inaugural Native Son House, a first-of-its-kind cultural convening inspired by the ballroom tradition of “Houses.”
At its core, the Native Son Awards was a celebration of brotherhood and community. The night underscored the ways in which emotional, financial and wellness support can help Black queer men not only survive but thrive. In the name of joy — and often in spite of its absence — that collective care remains essential to the community’s continued elevation.