Black History Month: Life at the Intersections

Black History Month: Life at the Intersections

As HRC honors justice warriors throughout Black History Month, we want to highlight some of the incredible individuals within our organization that drive our work forward at the intersections of LGBTQ equality and racial justice.  

As Audre Lorde, a Black lesbian poet, said, “There is no such thing as a single-issue struggle because we do not live single-issue lives. Malcolm knew this. Martin Luther King, Jr. knew this. Our struggles are particular, but we are not alone.”

Through her writing, Lorde eloquently captured the depth and richness of the crossways of those identities and experiences. She described herself using words like “Black, Lesbian, Mother, Warrior, Poet,” a testament to the strength of her enduring legacy.

Below, members of HRC’s staff share what it means to live and work at the intersections of Black and LGBTQ identities:

“To live and work at the intersections of a Black and queer identity means that I have a responsibility to ensure that my work is rooted in liberation and that the most marginalized communities are socially, politically and economically uplifted. In addition to considering my privilege as a cisgender man, it is my duty to continue to both create spaces for intersectional inclusion and recognize spaces where my input is not necessary.”

— Armonte Butler, HRC Foundation Health & Aging Program Coordinator
Pronouns: He, Him, His

“As a black queer woman, I live and work at the intersection of the systems of oppression defined by race, sexual orientation and gender. On my worst days, it is exhausting and feels impossible to safely navigate the world as my whole self. But on my best days, I feel like a queen; unapologetically harnessing the beauty and power that comes with all of my identities.”

— Cassandra Corey, HRC Major Gifts Officer
Pronouns: She, Her, Hers

“To talk about the intersectionality of my identities feels almost utopian.  The worlds I navigate are often unsure of how to engage me in the wholeness and integration of my identities, so I often experience them as if a swinging pendulum – moving in and out of each depending on my context. It is not often that I feel seen and engaged as a Black lesbian in its fullness: that is being Black, female, and same-gender loving in the same space, at the same time.  Yet, it is who I am and I can not separate my experiences. We have a lot of work to do to create inclusive community spaces that truly engage and honor diversity, especially when it comes to Blackness.
As Black LGBTQ people, we have to continually strive to step into spaces demanding that we are honored and recognized in our fullness – not allowing elements of our identities to be extracted because they are too messy or inconvenient for others to deal with, or to be redefined in a way that is more palatable to others.  Our liberation relies on our ability to show up as, be seen as, and navigate spaces as, whole and authentic people and, above all, to define what that means for ourselves.”

— Nicole Cozier, HRC Director of Diversity & Inclusion
Pronouns: She, Her, Hers

“As a Black, gay man from Trinidad and Tobago, my lenses as an immigrant influence my ability to impact the global social justice fight around social issues that disproportionately affect black people as they show up in the LGBTQ community. My responsibility here at the world’s largest LGBTQ advocacy organization is to bring my unfiltered perspective to work each and every day. My duty is to honor all those who have paved the way for me to be here and the privilege I have to influence this work with ethics, intentionality and resiliency as a leader in this movement. I’m here for the Caribbean!!! #Trini2DeBone

— Maurice Eckstein, HRC Communities and Volunteer Relations Senior Manager
Pronouns: He, Him, His

“When I’m speaking out and advocating for the LGBTQ community, I also voice issues and concerns of my queer Black family, a historically marginalized group in that space. When I’m with my family, I show that Black families are also full of rainbows. And when I’m with my friends talking about the legacy of James Baldwin, listening to Frank Ocean or watching RuPaul, we LGBTQ #BlackMenSmile knowing of the important contributions we’ve made and continue to make in all of the communities we belong to. In all of these ways and more, I get to share my gay #BlackBoyJoy everyday!”

— Jay Gilliam, HRC Senior Global Programs Officer, Co-chair of HRC’s POC+A Employee Resource Group
Pronouns: He, Him, His

“To live and work at the intersections of being Black and gay is to live in a form of double consciousness. It is to understand that you must navigate society wearing multiple oppressive and marginalized identities which you must be aware of and on alert at all times. It is exhausting. Living in this double consciousness fuels my desire to work for organizations that work to advance the civil rights of those marginalized and disenfranchised.”
— Leslie Hall, MSW, HRC Associate Director, HBCU Program
Pronouns: He, Him, His

“My queer identity cannot be separated from my real and lived experiences as a Black woman. We live in a world that constantly tries to separate us from ourselves, to divide me into groups and subgroups that only focus on one aspect of who I am. To live and work at the intersection of my experiences as a queer Black Woman is to know and trust that all the pieces of who I am show up in every space and are needed in every space – whether that’s work, the local coffee shop or the general assembly.
My showing up fully is a gift not only to myself but to all of those around, and it is one that I do not apologize for. No matter where my voice or other Black voices fall with respect to sexual orientation, gender or gender expression, our identities can’t be part and parcel for check boxes or convenience. Our contributions are great and our voices remain integral to the conversation on how we continue movement building in a way that no single part of who we are is forgotten or oppressed.”

— Hope L. Jackson, HRC Senior Regional Field Organizer
Pronouns: She/Her/Hers

“To live at the intersection of Black and queer identities is like walking two tightropes at once. One community faces unique and very visible challenges and has since before the U.S. was formed; while the other has had to announce its presence, to come out, only to be ostracized by broader society. While the burdens of being Black have stolen from, jailed and separated our people, we have created amazing music, dance, food, art and scholarship. And while the burdens of queerness have left folks ostracized, homeless, humiliated and suicidal — out of that pain has sprung a vibrant, beautiful culture that celebrates its pride every day. While the doubling of those burdens can be crushing, the beauty that they have wrought is our Black LGBTQ community. Our boldness, artistry, industry and intelligence are truly a sight to behold. From ballroom culture, to Stonewall, to the March On Washington, and from the top of the charts to the halls of the most elite portrait galleries and boardrooms in this country we have made an indelible mark on this nation. Indeed, ‘there is more music singing in us than crimes against our souls.’”

— Paul Lisbon, HRC Political Research Coordinator
Pronouns: He, Him, His

www.hrc.org/blog/black-history-month-life-at-the-intersections?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss-feed

Designer Ashish Gupta Shows ‘Glitter Against Gloom’ at London…

Designer Ashish Gupta Shows ‘Glitter Against Gloom’ at London…

Designer Ashish Gupta Shows ‘Glitter Against Gloom’ at London Fashion Week

To see more of Ashish’s work, follow @ashish on Instagram.

“Glitter against gloom” is how Indian fashion designer Ashish Gupta (@ashish) describes his colorful, sequined clothes. “Growing up in New Delhi, I always admired my mum’s silk saris and her collection of shoes,” says Ashish. “She had such great taste. It really made me appreciate fabrics and colors, and want to make beautiful outfits — I couldn’t imagine a more glamorous way of living.”

After moving to London more than 20 years ago to complete a degree in fashion at Central Saint Martins College of Art and Design — and once having his entire portfolio of work stolen at a train station in Paris — Ashish first showed his collection at the 2004 London Fashion Week. He hasn’t stopped creating his “understated overstatement” designs since. “It feels scary, exciting, familiar, moving and inspiring,” says Ashish of showing at #LFW. “I never get used to it – every show feels as intense as the first time.”

blog.instagram.com/post/171099843875/180220-ashish#_=_

Gus Kenworthy’s is the Sexiest Bruised Peach Since ‘Call Me By Your Name’

Gus Kenworthy’s is the Sexiest Bruised Peach Since ‘Call Me By Your Name’
bruised peach

Gus Kenworthy shared a massive bruise on his butt endured during last week’s Winter Olympics in PyeongChang.

Tweeted the skier: “A peach hasn’t been this destroyed since Timothée Chalamet in Call Me by Your Name.”

A peach hasn’t been this destroyed since Timothée Chalamet in Call Me by Your Name.?pic.twitter.com/GSpdjZGox2

— Gus Kenworthy (@guskenworthy) February 20, 2018

It’s the most revealing bruise we’ve seen on Kenworthy since he appeared on Ellen shortly before the Olympics, when he showed off a similarly thirsty injury shot, briefly hypnotizing the talk show host.

Over the weekend Kenworthy finally got to see the playback of his pre-ski kiss with boyfriend Matthew Wilkas which was televised by NBC and made national headlines.

Tweeted Kenworthy: “Didn’t realize this moment was being filmed yesterday but I’m so happy that it was. My childhood self would never have dreamed of seeing a gay kiss on TV at the Olympics but for the first time ever a kid watching at home CAN! Love is love is love.”

Gus also posted an earlier message of thanks to supporters which accompanied a photo of him following his run.

Thank you all for the support. I love you. pic.twitter.com/HUky5MSh6W

— Gus Kenworthy (@guskenworthy) February 19, 2018

He wrote: “This photo sums up yesterday for me. I failed to land my run in the final and didn’t end up on the podium but, for me, the Olympics aren’t solely about the medals. Being here now, out and proud and living my life authentically, I’m walking away more fulfilled without a medal than I did at the last Games with one. Of course I would’ve loved to have landed my run and been on the podium but it just wasn’t my day. After years of preparation, countless hours of training and numerous injuries it’s all over in a flash. At every contest there are three winners and a field of non-winners. This is the Olympics though and nobody here loses. Everybody gave it their best effort, fought hard, endured and made their country, their family, their friends and their fans proud. I’m holding my head high knowing that I gave it my all. I’m proud of what I did here and all those I was representing in the process and I’m very happy for @oysteinbraten@nickgaper and @abmskier for walking away with medals. I may have worked tirelessly to get here but so did they and I’m proud of them for putting it down when it counts.”

The post Gus Kenworthy’s is the Sexiest Bruised Peach Since ‘Call Me By Your Name’ appeared first on Towleroad.


Gus Kenworthy’s is the Sexiest Bruised Peach Since ‘Call Me By Your Name’

How to Be An Emotional Genius: Get Straight A’s in Your Love Life

How to Be An Emotional Genius: Get Straight A’s in Your Love Life

Would you like to be an emotional genius? Someone who has a high level of Emotional Intelligence, and can manage your feelings, understand other’s emotions, and develop great relationships? Now, you can. New research in Emotional Intelligence (EQ.) tells us that developing a high emotional intelligence can help you choose the right partner and maintain a healthy and happy relationship.

Here are four ways you can raise your EQ

Know Yourself and Your Date’s Emotional Style: There are two main personality types in the emotional world: The Thinker and The Feeler.  Thinkers makes decisions primarily with their head (logic); Feelers make choices mainly with their heart (emotions).  Although you may do both, chances are, you are stronger in one area. If you’re a Feeler dating a Thinker, it’s important that you use logic and rational thinking in your conversations—he will fall in love with your mind.  If you’re a Thinker dating a Feeler, then you need to “Think your way” to his feelings— he may need more verbal reassurance and physical affection.

Pick an Emotionally Smart Man: When dating someone, don’t be blinded by surface looks or charm. Look for signs of an emotionally intelligent guy.  An emotionally smart man doesn’t play games (he tells you how he feels), is able to manage his emotions (he doesn’t lose patience at a moment’s notice), and demonstrates empathy (he can sense your feelings).   On the other hand, “emotionally unintelligent” men have a harder time grasping their emotions (they lose patience easily), are oblivious to your feelings, and often have fewer friends due to lack of trust.  Avoid emotionally unintelligent men, and spend time with the emotionally intelligent ones, and you will ultimately find the best man for you for a happy long-term relationship.

Don’t Jump to Emotional Conclusions:  One mistake you may make, especially if you’re a Feeler, is to emotionally misinterpret your guy’s actions.  If, for example, he delays in texting you back, you may jump to a conclusion: “He doesn’t care.” In reality, he may be busy, sad, or not feeling well (or maybe, God forbid, his phone broke). Yes, he may not be interested but regardless of what you’re thinking at the moment, it’s important that you wait and ask him, instead of jumping to a quick emotional conclusion that may be wrong.

Develop Empathy:  One of the signs of Emotional Genius is Empathy—when you can put yourself emotionally in the shoes of your partner.  If you’re an empathetic person, you can sense when your significant other is feeling down—you can pick them up with the right words to encourage and motivate them. Similarly, your goal is to attract an empathetic man who also is in tune with your feelings—who can give you a massage and set up your bath when you’re feeling tired or lousy. Yes, there are empathetic single men out there, and you will find the right one when you are that way yourself. Remember, empathy attracts empathy, and emotional intelligence attracts the same.

As you raise your emotional intelligence, you will discover that one of your best tools is self-awareness. Begin today by being more aware of your feelings and even writing them down in a journal. As your self-awareness and emotional intelligence grows, you will enjoy your relationships more, and you will substantially increase your personal happiness.

The post How to Be An Emotional Genius: Get Straight A’s in Your Love Life appeared first on PlentyOfFish Blog.

How to Be An Emotional Genius: Get Straight A’s in Your Love Life

#AM_Equality Tipsheet: February 20, 2018

#AM_Equality Tipsheet: February 20, 2018

TRUMP NOMINATES (YET ANOTHER!) ANTI-LGBTQ EXTREMIST JUDGE: Gordon Giampietro, nominated to the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Wisconsin, has made anti-LGBTQ remarks during multiple radio interviews. Said HRC’s Wisconsin State Manager Wendy Strout: “Sadly, Gordon Giampietro manages to stand out among a number of unfit, anti-LGBTQ judicial nominees put forward by the Trump-Pence Administration. Giampietro’s extreme anti-LGBTQ rhetoric is deeply disturbing and should not be rewarded with a lifetime judicial appointment representing Wisconsin on the federal court. If confirmed, Wisconsinites could not count on Giampietro to uphold their civil rights.” More from BuzzFeed.

WASHINGTON STATE HOUSE COMMITTEE ADVANCES LEGISLATION PROTECTING YOUTH FROM SO-CALLED “CONVERSION THERAPY”: Said HRC Legislative Counsel Xavier Persad. “This ​abusive and ​inhumane practice has no basis in science and is ​uniformly rejected by every major mental health ​organization in the country. We call on the House of Representatives to swiftly pass this bill and send it to Governor Inslee’s desk to be signed into law.” More from HRC.

TIME TO THRIVE TUESDAY: This weekend, HRC hosted its fifth annual Time to THRIVE Conference on February 16-18 at the Hilton Orlando Bonnet Creek in Orlando. During the conference, HRC honored extraordinary advocates including LGBTQ ally Betty DeGeneres, transgender trailblazer Gavin Grimm and groundbreaking health care provider Dr. Ximena Lopez. Other speakers included Rep.Val Demings (D-Fla.); transgender athlete Chris Mosier; transgender author and reality show star Jazz Jennings; singer Johnny Manuel; Dreamer and sexual assault survivor Yuridia Ramirez; Christine Leinonen, whose son was killed in the Pulse nightclub attack; Pulse survivor Brandon Wolf; Judy and Dennis Shepard of the Matthew Shepard Foundation; and Adrian Stevens and Sean Snyder, a two-spirit couple. Check out the coverage on HRC’s blog.

“We as two-spirit people don’t have representation, our role models are not always given the same platform….If you know any young, Native two-spirit kids, tell them we said, ‘Be true. Be proud. And keep dancing.'” – Adrian Stevens (@AdMattStevens) & Sean Snyder #TimeToTHRIVE pic.twitter.com/LhEn6cIws4

— Human Rights Campaign (@HRC) February 17, 2018

AN OLYMPIC (QUALIFYING) ROUND…UP:

  • Gus Kenworthy on LGBTQ visibility at the Olympics: “It presents an amazing opportunity and I think that it kind of gives us a chance to shed people’s misconceptions and just kind of like break down barriers, “Kenworthy (@guskenworthy) told CBS’ Don Dahler (@DonDahlerCBS). More from CBS.
  • And check out this video on Kenworthy from NBC.

.@guskenworthy is out and proud at the 2018 #WinterOlympics, but that wasn’t the case in Sochi. He tells his story. #BestOfUS pic.twitter.com/KjzGc2xdcg

— NBC Olympics (@NBCOlympics) February 17, 2018

  • HRC Senior Vice President of Policy and Public Affairs JoDee Winterhof on Mike Pence’s comments on Adam Rippon: “Mike Pence has spent his entire career figuring out ways to discriminate against our community. And if Mike Pence and his folks are asking the LGBTQ community and our allies to trust that he didn’t want to figure out another way to discriminate against us, our response to that is: ‘Hell no.’” More from Indy Star.
  • Glenn D. Magpantay, executive director of the National Queer Asian Pacific Islander Alliance, writes about LGBTQ Asian athletes for Advocate.

NEW STUDY FINDS LGBQ GIRLS MORE LIKELY TO BE PUNISHED IN SCHOOL THAN STRAIGHT PEERS: More from Broadly.

TRANSGENDER ACTRESS DANIELA VEGA (@DaniVega) WILL BE AN OFFICIAL PRESENTER AT THE OSCARS: More from The Hollywood Reporter.

LA ACTRIZ TRANSGÉNERO, DANIELA VEGA (@DaniVega), SERÁ PRESENTADORA OFICIAL EN LOS PREMIOS OSCAR: Más de CNN Chile.

MILWAUKEE BREWERS ADDS LGBTQ PRIDE NIGHT TO UPCOMING SEASON: More from the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel.

GLOBAL EQUALITY NEWS

MEET A GAY CHECHEN WHO ESCAPED STATE-SANCTIONED VIOLENCE: The atrocities against LGBTQ Chechens such as Alihan demand justice. The Trump and Pence’s ongoing silence is deafening. More from BuzzFeed.

  • Also in Russia, a government PSA encouraging voting “threatens” viewers with a future where people have LGBTQ roommates. More from NewNowNext.

LGBTQ JOURNALIST AND ADVOCATE DETAINED BY RUSSIAN POLICE GRANTED PERMISSION TO FLEE TO GERMANY: Khudoberdi Nurmatov previously faced deportation back to his native Uzbekistan. More from The Daily Beast.

READING RAINBOWBookmark now to read on your lunch break!

Mail & Guardian details a seven-year-long Botswana transgender equality case; Washington Blade speaks to LGBTQ journalists about media representation; BBC interviews Georgie Stone, an Australian trans teen fighting for equality; Lauren Duca (@laurenduca), for her Teen Vogue column  “Thigh-High Politics,” sits down with six feminists, including HRC’s Sarah McBride (@SarahEMcBride); HRC honors Black LGBTQ athletes paving the way for equality

www.hrc.org/blog/am-equality-tipsheet-february-20-2018?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss-feed

The London Salon: queer night scenes

The London Salon: queer night scenes

UCL Urban Lab posted a photo:

The London Salon: queer night scenes

Curated by UCL Urban Laboratory, this evening at the Museum of London queerly reimagined the 1931 Beaux Arts Ball in New York, a famously peculiar moment in urban history.

We celebrated the ways LGBTQ+ people and communities create night-spaces in the city, thinking about how LGBTQ people have contributed to urban change in London, as well as the specific challenges and opportunities LGBTQ communities face in queering the capital at night.

The evening was hosted by Dr Sharon Husbands (Naked Boys Reading, Ask Dr Shaz) and featured performances and provocations from:

Travis Alabanza
Chardine Taylor-Stone
Planning Out and Friends of the Joiners Arms
Dan de la Motte
Fabulous Façades (Ben Campkin, Laura Marshall, Zia Forrai, Gabrielle Basso Ricci, Sebastian Buser and Thomas Kendall)

Curated by Ben Campkin and Laura Marshall (UCL Urban Laboratory) in partnership with the Museum of London, City Now City Future, a season of ideas, debate and inspiration.

Date: 13 February 2018

www.flickr.com/photos/uclurbanlab/25510718917/