October marks the observance of LGBTQ/SGL History Month . During this month we celebrate the lives and contributions of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer and same gender loving (LGBTQ/SGL) people. Too often LGBTQ/SGL people are erased, our contributions are rendered invisible in public schools, in the media, and in our homes. LGBTQ/SGL History Month, first celebrated in 1994, is designed to move us closer to recognizing that as long as there have been people there have been LGBTQ/SGL people and we are all better when we acknowledge and celebrate this truth. 

I struggle with this notion of “coming out” because we really continuously come out--not just to other people, but to ourselves. It's easy to center the beautiful narratives of love, support, and things 'getting better', but I'm taking some time to think about folk who were forced out of the closet, continue to be unsupported, or who don't feel that they can walk in their truth. I want to lift them up today, and let them know that they have the support of those of us in a position of privilege to share our narratives. And, if my own sharing can help just one person, it’s not in vain.

It’s important to identify solutions to the problem of racism, intolerance, and discrimination, especially in spaces like this because too many of us -- Black people specifically live with the realities and consequences of these negative experiences every day. The experience of being in Warsaw, Poland the last few days have provided me with a chance to exist without the stress and anxiety that comes with being Black in America. The feeling of having to look over my shoulder, being concerned by the constant watch of local and state law enforcement has been replaced with profound peace. A peace that I imagine white people experience often.  A profound peace that accompanies never having to worry about being the victim of crimes of intolerance, discrimination, and hate. 

For as long as there have been Black people, there have been Black LGBTQ/same gender loving (SGL) people. Disappointingly, because we face the additional barriers that come with homophobia, transphobia and fear and hatred of things not “traditional” or “heterosexual,” that truth is often hidden or erased altogether. And as it relates to the transgender community, far too often, we find ourselves speaking of injustices—from discrimination to disproportionate health risks, and too often, violence.