Black History & LGBTQ History Month: Part 2

We are back with week two of our Black, LGBTQ+ Icons. In case you missed the last blog post, then you can read it here! This month is all about celebrating Black History Month (US) and LGBTQ+ History Month (UK).

Bayard Rustin (1912 – 1987)

“We need, in every community, a group of angelic troublemakers.”

Bayard Rusti, known as the Gay Civil Rights Leader, who whilst fighting for the rights of Black Americans, had to hide his own sexuality. As a freedom fighter in the American Civil Rights movement, Rustin was often forced to remain in the shadows as his sexuality was used against him and his message. Rustin followed the nonviolent teachings of Ghandi. Who said, “The only weapon we have is our bodies, and we need to tuck them in places so wheels don’t turn”.

Rustin is now recognised as one of the key leaders of the 1963 ‘March on Washington’, which became instrumental in the passing of the Civil Rights Act. Rustin’s life is an example of the challenges Black, LGBTQ+ people continue to face within our own communities. He was a man who was doing so much for the rights and freedoms of his people. Yet, he was still kept on the sidelines due to his identity. Since his passing in 1987, Rustin has been awarded the ‘Medal of Freedom’, by Barack Obama. Who is not only the first Black President, but also the first to publicly support gay marriage. 

CeCe McDonald 

“We are stronger, smarter, talented, beautiful, and more resilient that we were told.”

Born in 1989, Cece McDonald is an African American, bisexual, trans woman and LGBTQ+ activist. She received national attention when she was charged with manslaughter after defending herself in a racist, transphobic attack. Cece was pursued by a man, who had previously assaulted her and her friends. She took a pair of scissors from her purse and stabbed him, causing a fatal injury. The outrage sparked by her sentence was increased when she was housed in two men’s prisons with the Legal Rights Center stating “No way” McDonald would be “sent to a women’s prison.”. 

Cece was released in Jan 2014 after serving 19 months and will remain under supervision until the completion of her 41 month sentence. However, in this time Cece has become a representation of the systematic violence faced by trans women of colour. She has received support from celebrities such as Laverne Cox, has been profiled by Rolling Stones Magazine and has been awarded the Bayard Rustin Civil Rights Award. 

Marsha P Johnson (1945 – 1992) 

“Pay it no mind”

Marsha P Johnson is perhaps the most well known LGBTQ+ activist of all time. A trans women of colour most famously known as the leader of the New York, Stonewall Riots. Johnson was one of the founding members of the Gay Liberation Front. She also co-founded the activist group Street Transvestite Action Revolutionaries alongside her close friend Sylvia Rivera. She became a well-known figure in New York’s art scene, modelling for Andy Warhol. As well as performing onstage with the drag performance troupe, Hot peaches. 

However, it was Marsha’s love and kindness that gave her the title of Mayor of Christopher Street. She was one of the first drag queens to go to the Stonewall Inn and staged countless sit-ins, marches and protests. Famously shouting, “Darling, I want my gay rights now!”. 

Heartbreakingly, Marsha became another victim of the system. When her body was discovered early one morning in the Hudson River. Whilst police initially ruled the death as suicide. The community and those close to Marsha knew it was something more sinister. The circumstances regarding her death and her extraordinary life, are told in the Netflix documentary ‘The Death and Life of Marsha P Jonhson.’

John Amaechi

“I always think coming out is something that you do for people who really deserve it. It should be.”

British-Amercian psychologist consultant and former professional basketball player. Originally born in the US, to a British mother and Nigerian father Amaechi grew up in Stockport, England. He is now recognised as one of the worlds most high-profile gay athletes. Starting his NBA career in 1995 with the Cleveland Cavaliers, he signed with the Orlando Magic in 1999. Famously turning down a $17 million contract with the LA Lakers in 2000 to remain in Orlando. 

In February 2007, Amaechi spoke publicly about his sexuality on ESPN’s ‘Outside the Lines’ program. The reaction from fellow NBA players was mixed, with Shaquille O’Neal saying “If he was on my team, I guess I would have to protect him from the outsiders…”. Whilst Tim Hardaway said, “First of all I wouldn’t want him on my team. Second of all, if he was on my team I would really distance myself from him because I don’t think that’s right …”. 

This highlighted the bravery that Amaechi had demonstrated as well as the long term struggles he had faced being LGBTQ+, whilst playing in the NBA. Amaechi has since founded APS (Amaechi Performance Solutions). A DE&I consultancy that helps companies to create an efficient management style and fair workplace culture. 

Claude McKay, Writer (1889 – 1948)

“We are like trees. We wear all colours naturally.”

Claude McKay was a Jamaican born writer and poet and the author of the best seller ‘Home to Harlem‘, written in 1928. Arriving in the US from Jamaica in 1912, he was shocked at the racism he encountered and this inspired much of his poetry. He later went on to write ‘Banana Bottom’ which identifies a black individuals struggle to fit in to white society. He was a major contributor to the Harlem Renaissance period (1920’s) and was very public about his hatred of racism. Stating that racist people were stupid and could not look past their shortsightedness and hatred.

McKay never officially stated his sexuality. However, much of his works indicates that he identified as bisexual. He was known to be part of the New York homosexual communities at the time, finding acceptance within them. 

Whilst McKay chose to keep his personal life, private. His works speak of a time and experience many of us would fail to imagine. He is also an example of how much Black individuals were achieving during this time, regardless of what our school history books tell us. He was an accomplished and well educated member of society. Leaving Jamaica to travel to the USA, London, Morocco, North America and much of Europe including Russia. 

We hoped you enjoyed Part 2 of this months Black LGBTQ+ Icons Series. We also hope that you feel inspired to learn more about these incredible people. If so you can read Part 3 HERE!

Join us again next week! But before then … don’t forget to message us and share on Instagram … @_breakingthedistance

Tash T

I currently live in London, working all over the UK as a performer and a presenter. I have a passion for writing and love sharing my experiences with others.