While February was declared Black History Month to recognize the many accomplishments and contributions of African Americans, the lives of black lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender (LGBT) people are so often left out of the picture. From civil rights leader Bayard Rustin to community activist Mandy Carter to well renowned inventor George Washington Carver, black LGBT people have enriched our lives.
GLAAD, the African American AIDS Policy & Training Institute (The Institute), the Black Coalition on AIDS (BCA), Gay Men of African Descent (GMAD), the National Black Lesbian & Gay Leadership Forum (NBLGLF), the People of Color Against AIDS Network (POCAAN), Southerners On New Ground (SONG) and United Lesbians Of African Heritage (ULOAH) encourage journalists to include black LGBT people in their coverage of Black History Month.
Consider including voices of black LGBT people in stories that survey African American history and civil rights progress. Interviews with and opinion pieces by LGBT people of color are good opportunities to increase the diversity of voices in Black History Month coverage.
Additional suggestions for inclusive coverage:
Recognize that the black LGBT community is diverse and that no one voice can or should represent an entire community. Black LGBT people encompass a broad spectrum of life experiences from doctors and lawyers to hip hop artists and literary figures. Seek out their and others' stories!
Consider the daily lives of black LGBT people. So often, stories about LGBT communities of color revolve around HIV/AIDS or hate crimes. While these are important stories to tell, also try to think about positive or upbeat stories that might of interest to your readers and which reflect the daily reality of the black LGBT experience.
While it is okay to use terms like gay, lesbian and bisexual when writing in general terms about the black LGBT community, do not assume that all people identify using these terms. Some have adopted the term "Same Gender Loving" (or SGL) or other identities that are more inclusive of both sexual orientation and race. Others may not identify with any terms at all. As you would ask a transgender person which name and pronoun they would like you to use, please ask LGBT people of color how they would like you to identify their racial and sexual orientation identities.
Avoid stereotypes when covering AIDS, the black community and the "Down Low." While silence around sexual orientation stems from homophobia, one should not make the distinction that black communities are MORE homophobic than any other community or that concealing one's homosexuality is a uniquely black phenomenon. These socio-cultural complexities should be examined with respect and dignity for the people they represent
Consult with black LGBT leaders and organizations if you have questions about complex issues. When dealing with an issue that is unfamiliar, these community leaders and experts can offer invaluable resources that can assist you in providing the best possible coverage.
There are a wide variety of stories that are inclusive of black LGBT lives:
Black LGBT people don't have to just represent black LGBT issues. If interviewing people about general LGBT issues, think about including black LGBT voices and perspectives.
February 7 is National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day. Events are being held around the country. Check http://www.blackaidsday.org for more information.
Profile a prominent figure within the black LGBT community. See the Black History Month Media Resource Kit for a list of famous and notable black LGBT people.
Cover your local Black Pride. Several cities, including New York, Los Angeles, Washington, DC, Atlanta, Chicago, Detroit, San Francisco and Houston, hold pride celebrations specific to the black LGBT community every year.
Cover positive stories of inclusion in black churches. Many churches are now inclusive of black LGBT people. The Unity Fellowship Church, for example, is a very prominent church outreaching to LGBT communities of color. The Metropolitan Community Church, Arc of Refuge and Glide Church are other churches inclusive of people of color.
Explore some of the socio-cultural factors that contribute to many black LGBT people not identifying with standard terms dealing with gender identity or sexual orientation.
Rashad RobinsonSenior Director of Media Programs (646) 871-8002 robinson@glaad.org
Keith Boykinkeithboykin.com
Mandy Carter Southerners on New Ground (SONG) Development/Membership Coordinator (919) 667-1362
Phill Wilson Black AIDS Institute Founder (213) 353-3610
Dan Hlad Black Coalition on AIDS (BCA) Communications Associate (415) 615-9945
Earl Plante Gay Men of African Descent (GMAD) Development Director (212) 828-1697 x. 129
Alvan Quamina National Black Lesbian & Gay Leadership Forum (NBLGLF) Executive Director (510) 302-0930
Walter McKenzie People of Color Against AIDS Network (POCAAN) (206) 322-7061 x242
D. Lisa Powell United Lesbians of African Heritage (ULOAH) Co-Founder and Executive Director (323) 960-5051
©2010 Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation