Inspired

Members of the Black LGBTQ+ community are acquainted with giving much to a country that most often does not reciprocate. Throughout history they have resisted continuously fighting against a system created to diminish their very existence. Some have gone on but their contributions will forever remain. Those that are still with us continue to make contributions for the betterment of mankind.

Alvin Ailey used the art of dance to inspire others.

"One of the worst things about racism is what it does to young people."

– Alvin Ailey

Angela Davis has devoted her life to combating racism and sexism.

"We have to talk about liberating minds as well as liberating society"

― Angela Davis

Bayard Rustin organized the 1968 March on Washington.

"Let us be enraged about injustice, but let us not be destroyed by it."

– Bayard Rustin

Barbara Jordan was the first Black Woman to run for President of the United States.

"Education remains the key to both economic and political empowerment."

– Barbara Jordan

James Baldwin writings and social critiques are studied today.

"Color is not a human or a personal reality it is a political reality"

– James Baldwin

Ernestine Eckstein was a leader in the first lesbian civil and political rights organization in the United States.

"Denial of Equality of Opportunity is Immoral"

– Ernestine Eckstein

Langston Hughes is credited with writing the Harlem Renaissance manifesto in 1926.

"The younger Negro artists who create now intend to express our individual dark-skinned selves without fear or shame"

– Langston Hughes

Lori Lightfoot made history as the first Black woman and openly gay Mayor of Chicago.

"You know, I can’t afford to take anything for granted"

– Lori Lightfoot

Marsha P. Wilson is noted as sparking the historic Stonewall uprising.

"I’d been going to jail for like, 10 years before the Stonewall"

– Marsha P. Wilson

Phil Wilson founded the Black Aids Institute.

"Understanding that I was a gay man, discovering my true self and falling deeply in love was euphoric"

– Phil Wilson

Audre Lorde was a poet, feminist, womanist, essayist, librarian and civil rights activist.

"Your silence will not protect you"

– Audre Lorde

Sylvester (James Jr) was a loud and proud transgender woman. Sylvester’s music is a staple of any authentic House dj’s set. She was a fierce advocate for HIV/AIDS.

"Folks think we're strange but they'll catch up"

– Sylvester