black LGBT

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.

Saturday, March 17 will mark the 100th birthday of visionary and civil rights leader Bayard Rustin. Rustin, an openly gay African American man, worked for more than 50 years as an advocate and strategist for human rights.

In November 1996, the Audre Lorde Project (ALP) found a home in the Fort Greene neighborhood of Brooklyn. Since then and for the past 15 years ALP has helped LGBT people of color and allies in New York City and beyond.

Arguing that both African Americans and LGBT people have been targets of violence and discrimination because of who they are, Washington Post columnist Jonathan Capehart in his most recent column spotlights the shared struggles between both groups--including those who are at the intersection of the two communities, i.e, Black LGBT people and their families.

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.

The Loop 21, a news and opinion site geared towards African Americans, recently highlighted the stories of black transgender men. In “Becoming a (Trans) Black Man,” editorial director, Chloe Hilliard, writes about how courageous young black transgender men use social media to document their transition.

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 Huffington Post Gay Voices “Voice To Voice,” a collection of interviews between LGBT authors discussing their work, queer life and some of the challenges of writing, spotlights the stories of African American LGBT people.