June 1969: Our community is familiar with the story. The riot that launched a widespread movement for the advancement of safety and liberty for LGBTQ+ persons. Stonewall. A riot, a movement, led by queer women of color. This year, along with Pride, it is important to think about what we can do to make sure that all of our community is remembered, protected, safe, and free. Let us remember the words of artist Micah Bazant: “No Pride For Some of Us Without Liberation For All of Us.” We are outraged by the recent killings of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, Tony McDade, Ahmaud Arbery, Rayshard Brooks, and countless other Black lives lost at the hands of police. We are outraged by the murders of Riah Milton and Rem’Mie Fell and the continued violence against black trans women. We are appalled by police brutality, systemic racism, white supremacy, and all types of hate. It is important that we say their names. It is important to say their names not only in grief, but in celebration. We celebrate the lives of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, Ahmaud Arbery, Tony McDade, Rayshard Brooks, Riah Milton, Rem’Mie Fell and the countless other lives lost. We celebrate BIPOC LGBTQ+ lives, including Marsha P. Johnson, Audre Lorde, James Baldwin, Phil Wilson, Rustin Bayard and so many others. We celebrate all Black lives. It is vital that we amplify the Black voices within our own community. It is our responsibility to speak out against hate, violence, and racism in any form.
Black LGBTQ+ Lives Matter.
Honor the dead, and fight for the living.
