All Black Lives Matter
All Black Lives Matter.
It is not a statement that is said lightly. However, it is a bold declaration of affirmation for those within the Black and Brown community who are often marginalized. When we say ‘All Black Lives Matter,’ this means Black queer lives matter. Black lesbian lives matter. Black transgender and transsexual lives matter.
LGBTQIA+ rights are constantly attacked, as the current administration has actively demonstrated in overturning protections for LGBTQIA+ people in health care system. At least fifteen transgender or gender non-conforming people have been murdered this year alone, majority being Black transgender women. Gay conversion therapy is widely legal with only eight states banning the practice for minors. Even with the recent U.S. Supreme Court ruling ending legal discrimination against LGBTQIA+ people, there are still greater steps that must be taken to dismantle the culture of violence that victimizes this vulnerable community.
The LGBTQIA+ movement has produced many Chicago-based trailblazing activists, allies and organizations at the forefront of creating a safe space for people to be themselves.
McKensie Mack is putting Black LGBTQIA+ liberation first. McKensie has organized at the intersections of racial justice, LGBTQIA+ rights and gender equity for over a decade. They are currently the Executive Director of Affinity Community Services, a Black-led, queer-led organization dedicated to Black LGBTQIA+ activists on the South Side for the last 25 years.
LaSaia Wade is defining what it means to be a LGBTQIA+ community organizer. As an open, Afro-Puerto Rican indigenous transgender woman, she has been the central organizer for Trans Liberation Protest Chicago, the largest march for transgender and transsexual rights in Midwestern history. She is the Founder and Director of Brave Space Alliance an LGBTQIA+ center supporting Black lives by offering essential items and training for actions against police brutality.
Pride is a month of celebration of the LGBTQIA+ community. Pride is also a beautiful opportunity to commemorate activists who brought awareness to the injustices of homophobia. This is an opportunity to be an ally, speak out and recognize that the lament for social change includes the laments of LGBTQIA+ identifying individuals. We as faith communities must be a part of the solution. CRS affirms the urgency to be inclusive and recognize the intersections between racism, poverty and LGBTQIA+ inclusion.
By joining CRS in declaring All Black Lives Matter, you are sharing in a movement of love, inclusion, and welcome for all. When we say All Black Lives Matter, we mean all Black lives matter in the fullness of God’s Beloved image and community.
In Solidarity,
Adamma Ihemeson
Development Officer of Individual Giving