The Harassment of Young M.A. and Including Black Butches When We Talk About Violence
Jokes that make violence appear innocuous is how we get dead.
the speakeasy
Reaching Out for My Queer Muslim Community to Hold Me After Christchurch
In times like these, when people don’t understand us and decide that this means we shouldn’t live at all, we need to connect with the people that do understand, even if just a little bit, even if peripherally.
A Playlist to End The Longest Black History Month EVER. Let’s Party.
I’m ready to kiss the last hours of the longest 28 days on record away with a f*cking party and a playlist full of bangers!
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.
Proudly Black, Fat, Queer and Making a Home for Myself in Cosplay
People don’t realize how damaging it is to only acknowledge a part of someone instead of their entire being. I’m black and queer and fat and a woman. Yes, I love cosplay but please — don’t forget my “and.”
Lena Waithe’s “Boomerang” Has a Black Lesbian, Bisexual Representation and a Lot of Heart
Tia’s a complete scene stealer. She’s defies so many boxes or tropes of what we’ve been programmed to expect from a black lesbian on TV.
The Black Lesbian Movie Project
What if “Coming To America” starred Lena Waithe instead of Eddie Murphy? What if Sanaa Lathan and Gabrielle Union made out with each other at the end of “Love & Basketball”? What if black lesbians finally got to get the girl on the big screen? I’m buying the popcorn. You coming with?
Young, Gifted, Black, and Closeted: Barbara Jordan’s Political Rise in a Country Not Yet Ready For Her
In 1974 it felt like every American was watching President Nixon’s impeachment hearings. With a single speech, a black lesbian changed the opinion of a nation. She was only getting started.
23 Black Queer and Trans Femmes to Follow on Instagram This Black History Month
Honey, these glorious embodiments of black femme magic are about to sweep you off your feet.
The Rumors Were Enough: Josephine Baker, Frida Kahlo, Their Romance and Me
Maybe Josephine Baker and Frida Kahlo were actually lovers? Maybe they weren’t. What always mattered most was the idea that they even could.
Femme Brûlée: Not My Aunt’s Sweet Potato Pie
Given that it’s Black History Month and we’re doing a lot of talk about celebration here since Autostraddle is turning ten, I thought it was only fitting to share a recipe for this pie that’s such a tradition in Black American celebrations.
Black Queer Resiliency Will Guide Us Through Black History Month
“I am deliberate and afraid of nothing.” – Audre Lorde
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.
How Coretta Scott King Leveraged MLK’s Legacy to Fight for Gay Rights
On this Martin Luther King Day, Autostraddle remembers the activist legacy of Coretta Scott King and her fight for gay rights.
Latinx Butches Lit Up Television in 2018
I considered titling this “Latinx Butches 2018: Welcome To The Thirst Trap,” but that didn’t seem very professional, you know?
Hippie Pants Make Me Feel Pretty — and Guilty
“I wear Spiritual Awakening Pants, because I look good in them and sometimes I crave that feeling. I feel guilty while I do it, like I’m legitimising the remnants of colonialism that I see in the patterns of elephants.”
Stories About Beyoncé That Are Really About the First Girl I Ever Loved
“I never could explain why my heart pounded when her soft hands reached out for mine. Why it felt like I was the only girl in the world, singing with her at the top of my lungs. The way my eyes would nervously glance down at her chest in that purple lace bra and white tank top. Until I could.”
Holigay Gift Guide: Support These Indie POC Designers 2k18!
We’ve got it all! From makeup and skincare products, to statement tees and accessories! I’m confident that you’ll find more than a few items to give someone that you love.
“Widows” Review: Viola Davis Kicks Ass, Takes Back What the Patriarchy Stole
These women aren’t ultimately just stealing the money. They’re stealing back the ability to control their own lives. To get in at least one solid kick against the rancid, putrid system that forced their backs against the wall in the first place.
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.”