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#queer #black history month #langston hughes #lgbtq #it gets better #black #bayard rustin #james baldwin #audre lorde #angela davis #josephine baker
It’s Black History Month this month, and coincidentally, today, 18th of February, is the birthday of Black poet, feminist and activist Audre Lorde!
Audre was legally blind and described herself as “crazy and queer”; she focussed her activism on fighting for women who, like her, were excluded from mainstream feminism, whether because of class, race, sexuality, or disability.
Keep an eye on our blog for more Black history throughout the month.
February is Black History Month! Here are just a few Black Queer People who dedicated their lives to making the world a better place. Black history month is about remembering all the types of Black people who helped further the progress of justice. Thank you to all of those who paved the way.
Bayard Rustin (1912-1987)
A lot of times noted as the man that Homophobia Erased from History.His impact not illustrated seen in a lot of history books, Bayard Rustin became most recognized for his work for the civil rights movement. Bayard Rustin was the lead organizer of the March on Washington, and ultimately was one of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s right hand men. From Marching on Washington, to his work in the Black Power movement, to being imprisoned for being in a relationship with a man and his advocation of the advancement for LGBTQ people, Bayard Rustin was a force to be reckoned with. Although he put so much of his time and effort into making the world a better place, his presence has been erased in some of the light of the civil rights movement because at the time people thought him being gay would hinder the advancement of black people.
Angela Davis (Born in 1944)
Angela Davis is a loved political activist, author, scholar, and professor. Davis contributed a lot to the Black Panther Party and worked hard for the advancement in the Civil Rights Movement. Davis was also very involved in Prisoners rights, and feminist theory (and where Women of color fit into mainstream white feminism). She also fought hard for the advancement of LGBTQ rights. Overall Angela Davis is a queer women of color whose list of activism efforts goes on and on. Angela Davis did and continues to spread her efforts to all types of oppression and injustices.
Marsha P. Johnson (1944-1992)
Marsha P. Johnson was a Black Trans Woman whose efforts for the queer community and overall essence of love and self acceptance in the face of ridicule touched the hearts of many. Marsha P. Johnson was a pivotal part of the Stonewall Riots, being at the epicenter of it all, (which isn’t always illustrated). She was noted as the person who “really started it all”. The stonewall riots really sparked queer and especially trans activism, but also essentially birthed what we now know as the Pride Parades. Another reason to remember to not erase the “T” in LGBTQ rights.
“Modern artists like Frank Ocean, RuPaul and Janelle Monáe are breaking down barriers in their own ways, but Black LGBTQ musicians have existed as long as music has existed.” 🎶🌈
We’ve been working on something special and are so excited to announce that we’re partnering with Tumblr to bring the best of Black excellence straight to your dashboard. How is this February different from the usual BHM celebrations? This time around, we won’t stop on the last day of February. We and Tumblr are committed to shining a light on the Black community throughout this entire year. This is #BlackExcellence365.
Our goal for #BlackExcellence365 is to the showcase the importance of diversity in Black history, present, and future. The Black community is not monolithic. It is a pan-African community, one consisting of a myriad of ethnic identities from African-American, African, Caribbean, Latinx, etc. Blackness encompasses different religions, sexual and gender identities, socioeconomic statuses, and more. Celebrating these identities and their successes is what #BlackExcellence365 is all about. We’ll be doing this by showcasing the continuous achievements of and contributions by Black people in history, science, music, art, media, social impact, fashion, gaming, poetry, and so many other areas of prominent cultural and historical importance.
Here’s a peek at just some of the things you can expect to see from @action (unless otherwise indicated!), Tumblr’s official blog for social impact:
Are you ready? We’re ready. Stay tuned to @action - Tumblr’s official blog for social impact, for the latest news, features, and community highlights. ✊🏿✊🏾✊🏽
Oh, yeah. #BlackExcellence365 is here, and who better to help us usher it in than the people behind @theblackoutofficial? The Blackout has spent years cultivating a community of people who make it their mission to own their Blackness by redefining what Blackness means to them.
Be sure to follow both @theblackoutofficial and @action to stay on top of the latest #BlackExcellence365 news all year long.
PS, our Black History Month stickers are back!
Slap ‘em on your selfie, throw ‘em on your GIFs. They’re in the app right now, and so easy to use.
Time to d-d-d-drop some knowledge about LGBTQ+ terms!
Today’s term is trans: Someone whose gender identity differs from the one that was assigned to them at birth. Many transgender people identify as either man or woman, while others may see transgender as an umbrella term and also identify as gender nonconforming, nonbinary, genderfluid, genderqueer, etc.
The important thing: how we as transgender people choose to express our gender is up to us, as is our transition!
Want more? Writing Our Own Dictionary premieres on our Youtube October 6th! Subscribe now so you don’t miss an episode. In the meantime, check out our terms glossary at itgetsbetter.org/glossary.
letters-to-lgbt-kids
Anonymous asked:
My dear lgbt+ kid,
I kept this message in my drafts for a long time because it’s so kind - and also because it reminds me that I am doing my best to support people.
I tend to feel guilty for not doing more, for just writing silly little letters on tumblr. Your message really provides a different perspective: I took time to make a whole blog just to share love and comfort! Yay, me!
Seriously, thankyou <3
With all my love,
Your Tumblr Dad
