Why We Need to Tell Black LGBTQ Stories for Mental Health Equality
As I am sure you know, February is Black History Month. Throughout the next few weeks, you will be reminded of how Black History is American History through education, awareness campaigns, and more. While all black stories matter, the history of the black LGBTQ+ community needs extra elevation to receive the same public awareness and appreciation as the rest.
Though excluded from most history books, queer history and black history are intertwined in many ways. For example, did you know that the first Drag Queen in America was a former slave? His name was William Dorsey Swann. After living through the Civil War, he became the first activist in America to lead an LGBTQ resistance group and the first known person to refer to themself as a drag queen.
But don't beat yourself up if you didn’t know. Radical government officials have attempted to silence these critical stories for decades. Through censorship, book bans, and, most recently, Florida Governor DeSantis’ initial rejection of College Board’s proposed AP African American Studies course that likely influenced College Board’s decision to reduce/omit many important topics within the course, the need for awareness is greater than ever before. Not just because it ensures history isn’t written over, but because mental health equality also relies on telling these stories.
The black LGBTQ community already has an increased risk of mental illness due to systemic discrimination and stigmatization. According to the William’s Institute, “Over one-quarter (26%) of Black LGBT adults have been diagnosed with depression compared to 15% of Black non-LGBT adults.” Censorship of their history only adds extra stress and hopelessness to an already vulnerable community.
They are being made to feel as though their ancestry, heritage, and culture are worthless. That even if they fight back today, their efforts will be silenced tomorrow. It is incredibly difficult to stay in a positive mindset while being bombarded by these messages. As such, the mental health of the black LGBTQ community suffers, continuing the cycle of mental health inequality.
But it is not hopeless. We can stop the cycle and reverse the impacts it's having on people at this very moment. How? By telling their stories, raising awareness of their contributions to our nation’s history, and fighting back against censorship.
Here are some ways you can start creating hope and change now:
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Read more about William Dorsey Swann here and other black LGBTQ historical icons here. If you’re a reader, check out this free 20-page exert of A Queer History of the United States, by Michael Bronski here.
Join the Advocates! We need volunteers to add more mental health resources that are specific to the unique needs of black LGBTQ individuals. Sign up to volunteer today!
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