Today In Black LGBTQ+ History: ANGELA DAVIS

TODAY IN BLACK LGBTQ+ HISTORY, we celebrate "Black lesbian activist Angela Davis: from radical scholar to political prisoner, to revolutionary icon, to public intellectual.

As a black lesbian growing up in the Bay Area, her unwavering and vocal support for LGBTQ rights was always crystal clear. Angela Davis has always been about intersectionality — before the term was even coined. She has always explored the connections between race, class, gender, sexual orientation, ability, and citizenship. She is an African American woman, she is lesbian, she is an ally for oppressed populations throughout the globe and a vocal champion for LGBTQ rights. Today, Davis continues her political work, including challenging mainstream LGBTQ movements to see service in the armed forces and participation in marriage with a critical eye.

It is especially important now to be reminded of the radical roots of queer activism, particularly through African American women such as Angela Davis. The hope is that history will honor the queer women of color and other activists who came up during times of extreme repression. Not only does she serve as a visual reminder of the power of speaking out; but also, can inspire us to continue working for a world without exploitation, one step at a time.”                                           

- Lisbet Tellesfen 

 Angela Davis is a reminder to us all to “Love thy neighbor.”  And so it is in the spirit of this great icon that I encourage you to perform a random act of kindness today, whether it is holding the door open for someone, paying for another person’s food, or writing a positive online review for a product or service you enjoyed. And then in the comments below… take a second to let us know how doing so has impacted your day.