Building Inclusive Communities: Lessons from Black Queer Leaders
"I am not free while any woman is unfree, even when her shackles are very different from my own." – Audre Lorde
Welcome to day 4 of our month-long celebration of Pride and Juneteenth. I want to begin by extending a heartfelt thank you for reading along and becoming curious on how to become more intersectional and build community. As we are doing the work of dismantling we must begin to think of what we are seeking to create. So, again thank you for being here, and a special thank you to our paid subscribers that create equity in education. You are deeply appreciated! Ok, now let’s dig in.
I firmly believe that community building is essential in our fight for justice. Embracing intersectionality allows us to create inclusive spaces that honor all identities and experiences. In this month of June as we celebrate Pride I am choosing to highlight some Black queer leaders that have illuminated the path to liberation by exemplifying the power of coming together, supporting each other, and striving toward a common goal of freedom and justice.
The Importance of Intersectionality in Community Building
Intersectionality, a concept introduced by Kimberlé Crenshaw, helps us understand how overlapping identities—such as race, gender, sexuality, class, and ability—shape our experiences and inform our struggles for justice. When we embrace intersectionality, we acknowledge that our identities are multifaceted and that our liberation is deeply intertwined. This understanding is crucial for building communities that are truly inclusive and supportive.
Lessons from Black Queer Leaders
Black queer leaders have long been at the forefront of both the civil rights and LGBTQ+ movements, demonstrating the power of intersectional advocacy and community building. Their work provides valuable lessons on how to create spaces that honor and uplift all identities.
1. Embracing Diversity and Inclusivity
One of the core principles of intersectional community building is embracing diversity and inclusivity. Black queer leaders like Marsha P. Johnson and Sylvia Rivera, who co-founded the Street Transvestite Action Revolutionaries (STAR), understood the importance of creating spaces that were inclusive of all marginalized identities. STAR provided support and advocacy for homeless LGBTQ+ youth and sex workers, demonstrating a commitment to inclusivity and community care.
2. Building Solidarity Across Differences
Building solidarity across differences is another essential lesson from Black queer leaders. Audre Lorde, a prolific Black lesbian feminist, emphasized the importance of recognizing and respecting our differences while working together toward common goals. She famously stated, "I am not free while any woman is unfree, even when her shackles are very different from my own." This powerful reminder underscores the necessity of solidarity in our collective struggle for liberation.
3. Fostering Safe and Affirming Spaces
Creating safe and affirming spaces is vital for intersectional community building. Black queer leaders have shown us that safe spaces allow individuals to express their true selves without fear of discrimination or violence. These spaces provide refuge and support, fostering resilience and empowerment. Organizations like the Audre Lorde Project continue this legacy by creating safe spaces for LGBTQ+ Black and other people of color to gather, organize, and advocate for their rights.
4. Advocating for Holistic Support
Intersectional community building requires advocating for holistic support that addresses the mental, emotional, physical, and spiritual well-being of community members. Black queer leaders have long understood that liberation involves more than just political and social change; it requires healing and nurturing the whole self. This holistic approach is central to my work as a trauma-informed decolonization educator and counselor, as it ensures that we support individuals in all aspects of their lives.
5. Leading with Love and Compassion
Finally, leading with love and compassion is a cornerstone of intersectional community building. Black queer leaders have exemplified the power of leading with empathy, care, and a deep commitment to justice. Their leadership reminds us that our fight for liberation must be grounded in love for ourselves and each other.
Some more examples of Black Queer Leaders Creating Inclusive Communities
Advocating for Holistic Support
Mandy Carter: Activist and Co-Founder of Southerners on New Ground (SONG)
Mandy Carter is a long-time activist who co-founded Southerners on New Ground (SONG), an organization that works at the intersection of race, class, gender, and sexuality. SONG advocates for holistic support by addressing the mental, emotional, physical, and spiritual needs of its members. The organization provides leadership development, community organizing training, and resources for LGBTQ+ people in the South, with a focus on those most impacted by systemic oppression. Carter's work with SONG exemplifies the importance of holistic support in intersectional community building.
Leading with Love and Compassion
Barbara Smith: Founder of the Combahee River Collective
Barbara Smith is a Black feminist, lesbian, and socialist who co-founded the Combahee River Collective, a Black feminist lesbian organization that was active in the 1970s and 1980s. The collective is known for its Combahee River Collective Statement, which articulated the importance of intersectionality and the interconnected nature of various forms of oppression. Smith's leadership was marked by a deep commitment to love and compassion, advocating for the liberation of all oppressed people. Her work has influenced countless activists and continues to inspire intersectional approaches to social justice.
Conclusion
By embracing the lessons from Black queer leaders, we can build inclusive communities that honor all identities and experiences. These examples of Black queer leaders highlight the transformative power of intersectional community building. By embracing diversity, building solidarity across differences, fostering safe and affirming spaces, advocating for holistic support, and leading with love and compassion, these leaders have shown us the way forward in our fight for justice. Their legacies remind us that creating inclusive communities is essential for achieving true liberation for all.
If you are interested in learning how to create intersectional and inclusive communities please sign up for my upcoming workshop. I look forward to having you and guiding you to community building.
Thank you for joining me today. Let’s continue to learn from the wisdom of Black queer leaders and work together to build inclusive, intersectional communities. Stay tuned as we delve deeper into these important themes throughout the month.
As always I would like to invite you to become a paid subscriber. By doing so you create equity in education by supporting my work and removing financial barriers for those that may not have access. Thank you in advance!
In solidarity and empowerment,