Written by Chloe Lindsay
As we celebrate pride month, let’s recognize and celebrate the black lgbtq+ community that contributed to the movement that we have today. Such as Marsha P Johnson, Audre Lorde, Stormé DeLarverie, etc. The history and the contribution that the black lgbtq+ community has brought is often looked over and not taught in schools. As the erasure is very present in modern society.
Audre Lorde was an black feminist, lesbian, poet, mother and a warrior. Her work often tackled topics such as racism, sexism, classism, capitalism, heterosexism, and homophobia. Lorde voiced her feelings through poetry as she was a poet and a writer. She also voiced her feelings about her breast cancer through her writing as well. She was revolutionary for her contribution to a lot of topics that people would shy away from.
Marsha P Johnson was a black trans woman who was a great contribution to the gay liberation movement. She helped found STAR which helped homeless and transgender youth. And her along with Sylvia Rivera helped open the first LGBTQ+ youth shelter in North America. She also participated in the Stonewall riots. She also served as great contribution to what we have now today. Her legacy must continue and her story must continue to be told.
Stormé DeLarverie was a biracial civil rights activist and she was known to fight back against the police during the stonewall riots. She was known as a drag king within in LGBTQ+ community. And she also was also a jazz singer.
She often patrolled and made sure the streets of Greenwich village are safe, guarding and protecting the kids of the street and the lesbians. She as well contributed to the movement that has gotten us where we are today. We must also celebrate and continue to tell her story as well.
While we have gotten farther in the movement, black trans women are more targeted than ever. As at least 28 transgender and non-conforming people were murdered this year 2021, majority of them being black and latinx women. Within Pride Month, don’t forget the names of those who are being murdered just for being themselves.
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