Black History Month

While February was declared Black History Month to recognize the many accomplishments and contributions of all African Americans, the lives of black lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender (LGBT) people are often left out of the picture. During the month of February GLAAD will pay special homage to the leaders who have paved the way to make the world a better place for LGBT Americans, especailly African-Americans and other people of color.

Today Ebony.com, the online companion to the iconic monthly magazine that focuses on the African-American community, spotlights the contributions of transgender men and women to American history and Black heritage.

As Black History Month comes to an end, Rev. Candace Hardnett, a Georgia-based pastor and LGBT advocate, reflects on the meaning of faith and community.

Alexis Pauline Gumbs, founder of BrokenBeautiful Press and co-founder of the Mobile Homecoming Project, writes about the legacies of June Jordan and Audre Lorde who spoke up in the face racism, sexism, and homophobia in publishing and in their communities.

Black History Month is a time for honoring and celebrating the achievements of African Americans and their institutions, including the Black Church. In 2000, Union United Methodist Church (UUMC) in Boston adopted a unanimous resolution to enthusiastically welcome LGBT worshippers.

In honor of Black History Month, the storytelling project I’m From Driftwood spotlighted members of the Black LGBT community. The online video series which collects and shares LGBT stories from all over the world also made a commitment to feature more stories of all people of color and different ethnicities beyond this month.

Today, on the GLAAD blog, we are taking the time to highlight the life of Bayard Rustin, as well as the lives of other 'brother outsiders' from our history, who dealt with both racism and homophobia as they paved the way for others.

Yesterday, people around the country observed National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day (NBHAAD). In an effort to elevate the conversation around the important issues that this day addresses, GLAAD helped place articles at several media outlets.

Today, GLAAD is joining countless individuals and organizations around the country in observing the 12th annual National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day (NBHAAD). GLAAD has helped elevate the message of NBHAAD through the online media by placing articles at various outlets.