Diversity Richmond is celebrating the contributions of LGBTQ African-Americans through a series of events during Black History Month.

“Our events offer opportunities for the entire community to learn about the rich diversity of Greater Richmond,” said Dr. Ravi K. Perry, a Virginia Commonwealth University professor who serves on the board of Diversity Richmond. “We at Diversity Richmond build bridges and tear down walls. What better time to discuss the issues than during Black History Month,” he said.

Fifteen local people who have made outstanding contributions on behalf of LGBTQ people of color will be recognized at “Black and Bold: RVA’s Unsung Black LGBTQ Community Gala” at 8 p.m. Friday, Feb. 3, at Diversity Richmond’s event hall, 1407 Sherwood Ave.

The formal event will include hors d’oeuvres and dancing to the music of DJ Derrick St. Clair.

Diversity Richmond also will host a series of discussions and community dialogues during February.

A discussion on “HIV/AIDS in the African-American Community” will be held 7 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 7, at the Black History Museum and Cultural Center, 122 W. Leigh St. The event will be led by Rodney Lofton, a longtime HIV/AIDS activist.

“State of Black LGBTQ America,” a dialogue with Dr. Perry, will be held 7 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 15, at the Black History Museum.

“Black Transgender 101,” a talk that will include basic information on transgender and challenges faced by black transgender women, will be held 7 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 21, at the Diversity Richmond event hall, 1407 Sherwood Ave. The talk will be moderated by Zakia McKensey, executive director of Nationz Foundation.

“Love Is Love, God Is Love,” a conversation on religion, spirituality and embracing African-American LGBTQ believers, will be held 3 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 19, at the Diversity Richmond event hall.

“Powerful S.I.S.T.A.: Celebrating LGBTQ Women of Color” will be held 7 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 28, at the Diversity Richmond event hall, led by Chevelle Moss-Savage and the Rev. Lacette Cross.

All events are free and open to the public.

For details, go to www.diversityrichmond.org, or call Mr. Lofton at (804) 622-4646, ext. 203.