Black Lesbian Strength

Black lesbians are often the forgotten charging force of social movements. 

This blog post is a call to action.

All work and activism made by black lesbians should be recognized and honored as such. Black lesbians have led the black panther party, equal employment rights, gay rights, anti-war movements and served as driving forces in the abolishment of Jim Crow laws., among other efforts. Black Lesbians are the foundation and strength of our unity against oppression.

“As long as there have been Black people, there have been Black LGBTQ/SGL people. The vestiges of transatlantic enslavement and racism combined with the forces of stigma, phobia, discrimination and bias associated with gender and sexuality has too often erased the contributions of members of our community." David Johns, National Black Justice Coalition.

This year vote like a changemaker. If you’re a black queer individual and haven’t registered to vote please do so, while remembering the legacy of strong black queer individuals that have come before. As an ally remember that your vote truly does make a difference and you are making an impact just by casting your vote.

While the work of all black lesbians is notable, It is impossible to list all in this blog post, so I have listed some to pay thanks and respect as we move into the next era of changemaking.

Audre Lorde

Barbara Smith

Angela Davis

Gladys Bentley

Storme DeLarverie

Pauli Murray