racism News | Autostraddle

The Roots of Anti-Violence: New York is set against a green background.

The State of Trans Lives in the Birthplace of the American LGBTQ Movement

Despite New York’s progressive reputation, it ranks among the top states for anti-trans violence. What are the factors that contribute to the plight of trans New Yorkers?

The Roots of Anti-Trans Violence against a pink and yellow background.

The Barriers that Keep Trans People From Thriving in Texas

The Lone Star state has repeatedly attempted to take life-saving resources away from trans people.

The Roots of Anti-Trans Violence

Trans people have been reported as experiencing an epidemic of violence. But why does the violence happen in the first place?

How Louisiana’s Antiquated Laws Set Trans People Up for Violence

Louisiana is in the top three states for the highest amount of anti-trans violence. Remnants of laws from the 1800s continue to trap trans people in a cycle of abuse.

Nancy Pelosi and the house Democrats kneel on the House of Representative floor while wearing kente cloth, this is an example of performative allyship.

How to Avoid Performative Allyship: The Moment Is Over, Time to Join the Movement

Performative allyship isn’t helping. If you’re interested in building more than just a “woke” brand and want to be part of lasting, systemic change, here’s where to start.

You Need Help: Should I Cut Off My Racist Dad?

My family is part of the problem, but if I choose to just ignore this fact, do I become part of the problem too?

Ferguson and Community Trauma: Defining Peace For Ourselves

We see violence not only in the crimson of blood spilled far too many times but also in the varying shades of brown on the skins of people of color. To be a person of color in the United States, and in the global narrative, is to be the shadow of violence.

On the Front Lines: Alternative Forms of Protesting Police Violence

Alternative forms of protest are necessary to make activism accessible. Sometimes, they’re even more effective at creating change than a permitted march.

One American Goes to See “30 Americans”

“And I thought how interesting is it that America can be this dark star, death star, and also at the same time this incredible shining light.”

How to Talk to Your White Friends and Family About Racism

As annoying as it is, probably, to hear it, you really have to lead with love. It’s not our responsibility to love people who hate us or wish us ill, but if those people are your friends or family, it is yours. If you genuinely care about your family and want them to be and do better, let that ground your conversation.

#BlackLivesMatter: A Longform Reading List

Fifty years of words I liked reading and you will too! Authors include James Baldwin, bell hooks, Kiese Laymon, Roxane Gay, Ta-Nehisi Coates, Toni Morrison, Bayard Rustin and Dr. Brittany Cooper.

The Public Education System Sucks (Especially for Queer Black Femmes)

If the Dean positions are largely dominated by men, guess who the most punished group in school is.

Oscars So Very Incredibly Racist: Investigating 92 Years Of Academy Awards For Acting

We’ve got data and timelines and infographics and conversation on topics including: white actors getting Oscars for playing people of color, white savior narratives, roles that garner nominations for Black actors, the shocking lack of nominations for Asian, Latinx and Native American actors and so much more.

Four Black Queer Writers in Conversation About Jussie Smollett and Holding Up Space for Each Other

This piece was co-written by Natalie, Reneice, Alexis, and Carmen. We’re four of the black members of The Speakeasy, Autostraddle’s collective for its writers of color.

Empire’s Jussie Smollett Beaten in Racist, Homophobic Attack by Trump Supporters

An attack on a black gay celebrity like Jussie Smollet is also a message sent to his black and gay fans. So today, for all our queer fam out there, but especially for my black queer family, feel the love and strength of our community. Our kinship is a gift. Please, fortify yourself in that gift today.

Your Girlfriend’s Family Is Racist and You Should Probably Get the Hell Out of There

“How much do I need to engage with my serious girlfriend’s racist immediate family members? She is close with them, and I’ve spent time with them in the past, but put simply I no longer have the energy or inclination to do so, even though I love my gf.”