LGBTQ+ issues have long been a taboo topic in the Black community. Part of this is due to the strength of the church in the community, and part of it is cultural. But disenfranchising any segment of the population or denying them human rights only leaves us all vulnerable. We should speak out and stand up for those who are targeted and discriminated against. Work to end oppression by supporting and advocating for those who are stigmatized, discriminated against, or treated unfairly.
Here are some ways to support LGBTQ+ rights:
Educate yourself on current legislation involving the LGBTQ+ community and learn how you can help.
Put an end to bullying. Confront homophobia or transphobia. Speak up; don't let slurs slide. Do not tolerate hate speech, bigoted "jokes," or homophobic behaviors. You may not change anyone's minds, but you may be making someone else in the room feel a little safer. Visit Stopbullying.org to find out what to do to help create a safe environment for LGBTQ+ people.
Help lift voices of people of color. LGBTQ+ people of color face higher rates of unemployment, violence, and poverty. Understand that people of color in the LGBTQ+ community will have different experiences with discrimination. Support artists, writers, and activists working toward equality for LGBTQ+ people as well as people of color.
Register to vote. The best way to tell our government how you feel is to vote and support equality. Be sure to update your address if you are registered to vote or sign up if you are not.
Stop anti-LGBTQ+ legislation. Check out the Human Rights Campaign (HRC) to view resources on state-by-state protections against discrimination, and find out how you can get involved in your own state.
Contact your congressperson and share your thoughts. Write your state senator or representative; they were elected by you and act on your behalf. Let them know how you feel. Send letters supporting LGBTQ+ equality directly to the White House. Let's keep the upper hand by expressing our opinions with respect and professionalism.
Shop at businesses that support LGBTQ+ equality. And boycott those who support anti-LGBTQ+ legislation or who have anti-queer policies.
Watch LGBTQ+ television shows to increase their ratings.
Give a little. Or a lot. Make a donation to your favorite LGBTQ+ nonprofit.
Come out as an ally. Anyone can be an ally, regardless of their sexual orientation and/or gender identity.
Volunteer for a gay rights organization. There are plenty to choose from. Whether you volunteer for a national organization like HRC and GLAD or volunteer at your local P-FLAG chapter, getting involved even just a little is a big help. Look for local community youth centers geared toward LGBTQ+ youth and see what you can offer them.
Listen, learn and support.
Affirmations Station:
I am at peace with myself.
My Black body emits and absorbs energy that is good for me, energy that loves me and respects me.
I want to be a noble example.
I am fair and treat everyone with respect.
I am the person I think I am.
I don't have to be perfect because perfection is the enemy of greatness.
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A creator of safe spaces, and an initiator of difficult conversations, M.J. Fievre, B.S. Ed, spent much time building up her Black students, helping them feel comfortable in their skin, and affirming their identities. Her close relationships with parents and students led her to look more closely at how we can balance protecting our child’s innocence with preparing them for the realities of Black life. When―and how―do you approach racism with your children? How do you protect their physical and mental health while also preparing them for a country full of systemic racism? She began to research the issue and speak with school counselors and psychologists to find (and apply!) strategies parents and teachers can use with their children to broach uncomfortable but necessary topics.
M.J. is the author of Empowered Black Girl: Joyful Affirmations and Words of Resilience.
Wind down from the pressures of life's demands and learn to take care of yourself through positive affirmations.
Even strong, fearless, and badass Black girls and Black women need affirmations. Now more than ever, we need to practice the art of self-care and give our minds and bodies the TLC they deserve. Author of Badass Black Girl and Happy, Okay? M.J Fievre brings you inspirational words of wisdom through fabulous Black female trailblazers who have changed the world, including Audre Lorde, Lupita Nyong'o and Angela Davis.
Take a deep breath. We don't always have to be strong. Sometimes, taking a break to focus on our mental health is bravery in itself. We find ourselves needing reminders that we are incredible and more than enough.
Empowered Black Girl teaches you to:
Learn the habit of using affirmations daily
Experience a life filled with love, Black joy, fulfillment, and satisfaction
Take control of your destiny
Strengthen your self-esteem
If you find yourself feeling overwhelmed, stop in your tracks and do an attitude adjustment, or, more specifically, a "gratitude adjustment." Empowered Black Girl gives you the dose of radical self-affirmation you deserve.