Urban Thought Collective

During the month of February we celebrate the accomplishments of many important African-Americans. This month America will recognize black contributions in civil and social issues, the sciences and the arts, sports and the political sphere. There will be numerous celebrations to honor the likes of Dr. Martin Luther King, George Washington Carver, and Mary McLeod Bethune. There are however many black lesbian, gay, and bisexual individuals that should also be recognized that are often overlooked during this month.

Martin Luther King’s “I Have A Dream” speech is one of the most inspiring speeches ever delivered. Many are not aware that it was a gay black man that made this speech possible. Bayard Rustin was the individual that trained Dr. King in the method of non-violent demonstrations and he is the man that organized the historic 1963 March on Washington where the speech was delivered.

Many involved in the Civil Rights Movement were uncomfortable with Rustin’s role as the right hand of Dr. King. Some felt his homosexuality made him a detriment to the movement. But Dr. King and many other leaders were aware of how important Bayard was to the struggle. He was outgoing, he was organized, and he was committed to the cause.

Some of America’s most accomplished black writers are members of the same-gender loving community. James Baldwin, Langston Hughes, Audre Lorde and Alice Walker are just some of the names that come to mind. An African American lesbian Octavia Butler was the first science fiction writer to receive the McArthur Foundation Genius Grant. These writers were (are) brilliant.

The black gay community also claims some dynamic trailblazers in the arts. One of the most easily recognized and highly accomplished dance companies in the world is the Alvin Ailey Dance Troupe. Ailey was a gay black man. Josephine Baker, Bessie Smith and Billie Holiday are all women that also loved women. And many will argue that Duke Ellington’s success would not have been possible if it were not for black gay musician Billy Strayhorn that penned many of his hits including “Take the A Train.”

Now I’ll be the first to admit that the sexuality of these individuals should not be relevant. But since we live in a world filled with homophobia I think that to omit part of their stories would be doing them an injustice. When we tell these stories we need to tell the truth and tell the whole truth.

We live in a world where many of our lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) youth suffer from self esteem issues. We have too many that are still resorting to suicide because they don’t feel there is a place for them in this world. These kids need to know the whole story. To our future politicians, Barbara Jordan was the first African-American woman from the South to serve in the U.S. House of Representatives and yes, she was a lesbian. To our future athletes, Justin Fashanu was the first black soccer player to earn a million pounds per year and he was a gay black man. Glen Burke is the baseball player often credited with inventing the “high five” and he was a gay black man. When we tell these stories let’s tell the whole truth.

Sharing these truths could also be instrumental in ending homophobia. Many people’s discomforts, fears and hatred of the LGBT community are based on perceptions and ignorance. Hearing the whole truth of these and other individuals could shift the thinking that for years has led to gay bashings and violent murders.

So if you are planning on attending any celebrations in February, beware of the legacy left by many black gays, lesbians and bisexuals. We are all part of the same family. And to ignore the stories of some members of the family is doing a disservice to the entire family. Take some time this month to learn more about these individuals that have earned their place of recognition during Black History Month.

Jason Green is the co-founder and facilitator of UGIMA (United Gay Informed Men of Arizona) and a frequent blogger regarding issues impacting the African-American community. His unique perspective on issues affecting the black community will be featured regularly on UrbanThoughtCollective.com. Check out more from Green at his personal blog, The J Spot.