Black History Is Queer History: Honoring the Legacy of Black LGBTQIA+ Pioneers
At One Colorado, we believe that Black history is an integral piece of LGBTQIA+ and American history.The rights and freedoms that queer people enjoy today are the result of the long, hard-fought battles led by Black community members. Specifically, Black transgender women, like Marsha P. Johnson, played pivotal roles in the LGBTQIA+ rights movement. Marsha P. Johnson famously threw the first brick at Stonewall, and is often credited as one of the key figures in sparking the modern-day LGBTQIA+ rights movement.
But the contributions of Black queer individuals don't stop there. Audre Lorde, a self-described poet and warrior, made lasting contributions in the studies of feminist theory, critical race theory, and queer theory through her writing and activism. Her works continue to resonate today, inspiring generations of queer people.
Lorde said:
“I write for those women who do not speak, for those who do not have a voice because they were so terrified, because we are taught to respect fear more than ourselves. We’ve been taught that silence would save us, but it won’t.”
Her words remind us of the importance of speaking up and lifting up those who have been historically silenced—and this is a message we carry into Black History Month and beyond.
The Roots of Queer Culture in the Black Community
It’s important to recognize that queer culture as we know it today is deeply rooted in the creativity, resilience, and innovation of the Black community. From drag to ballroom, many of the defining aspects of queer community trace their origins to Black spaces.
Even the fashion and aesthetic that are so integral to queer identity owe much to Black culture, with Black queer individuals leading the way in shaping trends that we now celebrate globally. As a community, we owe a tremendous debt to our Black siblings and all of the beautiful identities in between for the rich culture we share today.
The Importance of Black History Month
Black History Month is vital to the LGBTQIA+ community, as the foundation of our community was shaped by Black voices and leaders. Black people, particularly Black transgender women, have led the way for the rights we have today. While I may be transgender, I recognize that I am white and operate in the world with an abundance of privilege. This privilege reminds me that Black History Month is an opportunity to be accountable and elevate Black voices that are often disregarded, silenced, or dismissed. It is a time to pause, reflect, and recommit to unlearning and relearning.
As allies, it's our responsibility to challenge anti-Blackness, support Black communities and stand beside them in their fight for justice just as they stand by us in ours.
This month, I encourage folks to not only celebrate the lives and legacies of figures like Marsha P. Johnson and Audre Lorde, but also to commit to uplifting those within our community who are with us today.
Black History Month reminds us of the struggles, triumphs, and invaluable contributions of Black Americans, particularly within the LGBTQIA+ community. The freedoms and progress we enjoy today are deeply rooted in the courage and resilience of Black LGBTQIA+ individuals, both past and present. It’s crucial that we continue to honor their legacy, elevate their voices, and ensure that Black queer history is celebrated, recognized, and woven into our shared narrative. Supporting Black-led organizations, businesses, and individuals is only one way we can help build a more inclusive, just, and equal world.
Now, more than ever, we must show up as allies. It’s not an obligation, it’s a moral imperative.
Organizations
Black Pride CO – blackpridedenver.com
Denver Black Queer Collective – meetup.com/denver-black-queer-collective
Shades of Honey – shadesofhoney.org
Soul 2 Soul Sisters – soul2soulsisters.org
YouthSeen – youthseen.org
National
Audre Lorde Project – alp.org
Black Trans Advocacy Coalition – blacktrans.org
Black Trans Liberation – blacktransliberation.com
BTFA Collective – btfacollective.org
Dem Bois – dembois.org
Marsha P. Johnson Institute – marshap.org
Mental Health Libration, BIPOC Therapy Fund – mentalhealthliberation.org
My Brother Too – mybrothertoo.com
National Black Justice Coalition – nbjc.org
National Queer & Trans Therapists of Color Network – nqttcn.com/en
Showing Up for Racial Justice (SURJ) – surj.org
The Okra Project – theokraproject.com
Therapist of Color Collaborative – therapistofcolor.com
Trans Empowerment Project – transempowerment.org
Resources
Dear Black Women – “Your Care Package”
HRC – “Report: Coming Out, Living Authentically as Black LGBTQ+ People”
HRC & Mental Health America – “Questions to Help QTBIPOC Find Affirming Mental Health Providers”
It Gets Better – “Resources serving the Black LGBTQ+ community”
Soul 2 Soul Sisters – “Black Women Healing Resources”
