As we commemorate the 60th anniversary of the historic March on Washington, the significance of this pivotal moment in the fight for civil rights cannot be understated. However, it is crucial to recognize the voices that often go unheard, especially within the LGBTQ+ community. Black queer advocates have long played a vital role in this struggle, and their efforts deserve acknowledgment and respect.
While the recent anniversary event saw a smaller crowd than expected, it was not without passionate voices. Hope Giselle, a Black transgender speaker, expressed concerns about the historical marginalization of Black queer activists within the Civil Rights Movement. She highlighted how the struggles of the Black queer community are compounded by anti-Black racism, homophobia, and transphobia.
But there is hope on the horizon. In a groundbreaking moment this month, Senator Laphonza Butler, a Black openly lesbian woman, was appointed by California Governor Gavin Newsom, making her the first of her kind in the U.S. Senate. This appointment signifies a significant step toward increased representation in the political arena.
Efforts to rectify the erasure of Black queer civil rights giants are underway. The call for a more inclusive approach, which embraces these leaders’ legacies, resonates among activists and lawmakers. This progress aligns with the broader movement to empower the LGBTQ+ community in politics.
A recent report by the LGBTQ+ Victory Institute highlights a 186% increase in Black LGBTQ+ political representation since 2019. This includes the election of individuals like former Rep. Mondaire Jones, Rep. Ritchie Torres, and former Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot, who have shattered barriers in their own right.
It is essential to recognize that figures like Bayard Rustin, Pauli Murray, and Audre Lorde, who made immense contributions to both the Civil Rights and feminist movements, often had their queer identities downplayed or erased in historical accounts. This selective storytelling obscures the full narrative of their remarkable journeys.
The upcoming biopic “Rustin” is expected to draw attention to this issue, bringing the topic of Black LGBTQ+ political representation to the forefront. We must remember and honor the leaders who have contributed to various movements, ensuring their names and stories are not forgotten.
The erasure of Black LGBTQ+ leaders may be rooted in respectability politics and the historical intersection of white supremacy and Christianity. Efforts to raise awareness about these historical figures, like Bayard Rustin, through initiatives like naming schools and creating commemorative stamps, are steps toward rectifying this erasure.
As we look back on the March on Washington, let us not only remember the iconic moments but also reflect on the voices that have been silenced. It’s a time to celebrate the progress made in LGBTQ+ representation in politics, with the hope that it will continue to overcome the tactics of erasure.
Sources:
- Alexander, A. (2023, October 18). After years of erasure, Black queer leaders rise to prominence in Congress and activism. The Morganton News Herald.
- Williams, C. (2023, August 25). March on Washington 60th anniversary: An oral history of 1963 event, MLK speech. Washington Post.
- Image Credit: Jacquelyn Martin