Historically, Their Fight Has Helped Shape Black American Culture And Pride

sign that says all black lives matter
Via Wikimedia Commons
Graciella Ye’Tsunami
July 27, 2023

#1: Predating Colonization & Slavery 

Traditional African artwork, oral histories, folklore, and writings prove that LGBTQIA+ relations have always been part of African cultures and communities, dating as far back as 2400 BCE in Egypt. 

Some societies even included same-sex relations within ceremonial rituals and rites of passage.

#2: Orisha 

Many Orisha, deities within Yoruba’s Ifá religion, are considered to be androgynous. 

This is both respected and recognized as part of what makes them sacred.

 

 

#3: Nigeria’s Yan Daudu

A Nigerian term, Yan Daudu, roughly translates to “men who act like women.” Historically the phrase wasn’t used disrespectfully but celebrated men wearing makeup, dresses, and embracing gender fluidity. 

Unfortunately anti-Blackness targets Black LGBTQIA+ communities worldwide, often using religion and politics to villainize Black queerness. The Yan Daudu are one of many communities currently resisting violent discrimination.

#4: Black American LGBTQIA+ Influence

So much of Black American history and culture has been shaped by the Black LGBTQIA+ community. Some of our fiercest freedom fighters, like Bayard Rustin and William Dorsey Swann, were members of the LGBTQIA+ community.

Roughly 500 anti-trans bills are currently targeting members within our LGBTQIA+ family. 

Time and again, our LGBTQIA+ community has taken countless stands for our collective rights. How can we advocate for them?

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