Andrea Jenkins made history in November 2017 by becoming the first openly transgender black woman elected to public office in the U.S., according to LGBTQ advocacy groups and researchers. Jenkins, a Democrat, was one of two openly trans people to win a seat on the Minneapolis City Council last year. Jenkins is also a published poet and an oral historian at the University of Minnesota. Jenkins won about 73 percent of the vote in Minneapolis’s Eighth Ward, where she is known for addressing youth violence and improving the south-central ward’s neighborhoods.
Sending love to Jussie Smollett and to anyone who has endured bigotry, violence or hate of any kind. As a queer, black man who was the victim of a hate crime almost 7 years ago I understand the shock, shame and fear one experiences from an attack of this nature. To feel almost less than human & that your entire existence could ignite anger in another person so much the only way to express their distaste for you is to taunt, beat & bruise in hopes of breaking you. But break I didn’t, and break Jussie won’t. And break you won’t. Whoever you are, wherever you are, however you’re healing. Through my healing came understanding, acceptance and an even greater, unapologetic desire to be myself no matter who was uncomfortable as a result. Jussie’s fearlessness in walking in his truth in the public eye is admirable. I stan for and stand with him. I pray those responsible will be brought to justice. Hate mustn’t win. Here or ever. We must continue to uplift, protect and above all LOVE one another. And that doesn’t start and stop with gay black men, but trans women, Muslims, Indigenous people, Mexicans, Latinas and any and all marginalized communities that continue to be affected as a result of our country, its ignorance and the senseless acts it incites. WHEN IS ENOUGH, ENOUGH? LETS LEAD WITH LOVE ❤️
#NoNameCallingWeek brings awareness to the unkind names that many people within the LGBTQ+ community may face during their time in school. It also brings focus to the power of names and the different meanings that words can have for people. I came to terms with my sexuality in high school. During that time, it was very common for people to use the word “gay” as an insult or a joke. Calling something “gay” was somehow seen as funny. At the time, I knew this was something that was harmful for the LGBT+ community. However, I don’t think I fully grasped how much power a word can truly hold. The word “gay” should not be associated with shame or be seen as a joke. Now that I am 20 years old and have fully accepted my sexuality and gender identity, I am proud. I am proud to be a queer trans man and I know and understand the power that words, names, and labels can hold.
My Story Out Loud is a digital storytelling project dedicated to uplifting the narratives of LGBTQ+ youth of color and young people living with HIV across the nation by capturing our stories and experiences.
