Some of my charitable freelance work for the last five years. Since 1996, Detroit’s Hotter Than July has provided one of the unique experiences in North America. It serves as both a social barometer for community development, while also providing a multidimensional forum to advocate for equality and social justice. Each year state, local and national community organizations partner to enrich and empower the lives of lesbian, gay, bi and transgender (LGBT) people of African descent in Detroit and southeast Michigan.