The Dyke Kitchen: Diaspora Co. Queers Your Spice Cabinet
Sana Javeri Kadri brings her whole queer life to Diaspora Co., her company that’s decolonizing the spice trade, supporting Indian small farmers, and delivering banging spices to your kitchen.
the speakeasy
Black, Queer, and Here Without Apology: The History of BLK and Black Lace Magazines
When BLK first published, it was a 16 page black-and-white newsletter with a circulation of roughly 5,000. By the time it ended its publication it had grown into a 40 page magazine with full color covers, a paid subscriber base and global distribution reaching 37,000 people. It told our stories. Today, we say thanks.
Always In The Middle: On Being Biracial & Bisexual
Perhaps my identity oscillates at times but in a world that attempts to force me to choose one side of a binary, I remain firmly in the middle.
Zaya Wade Is Trans and Loved: Dwyane Wade Shares 12-Year-Old’s Coming Out with Ellen
“I want to be referenced as she and her. I would love for you guys to call me Zaya.” Proud parent Dwayne Wade shares Zaya’s story. Sending our love to the family today!
I’m Not a Fabulous Queer
Being invisible is in some ways a privilege. QTPOC who are visible are subject to scrutiny at best and violence at worst. I don’t want to talk about visibility. I’m still ashamed of the lonely, aching part of me that longs for recognition.
Me and You, My Mama and Her Hot Comb Too
Four years ago I did the switch from wanting “good hair” to wanting “healthy hair” and went completely natural. This photoessay is a ride of twists and bumped bangs, but I promise it’s a good one. And before you ask: No, I am not tenderheaded.
Black Queer People Writing Ourselves Into History: An Autostraddle Master List
We want this year’s Black History Month to be serious. But also – sexy, fun, JOYful. We want to reflect the multiple ways that black people see ourselves and walk through our world. And so, we begin here. By writing ourselves back into our own history.
Nine Queer Writers of Color on “Generation Q” and The L Word’s Legacy of Whiteness
The L Word: Generation Q featured 12 new queer characters of color in its first season, but media conversations about the show have largely remained driven by white points of view. So, we set out to change that.
The Lunar New Year Coming Out Letter I’ll Never Send To My Mom
I’m not coming out to you as a lesbian, umma, I’m coming out as your daughter. I’m tired of being a stranger to you and I’m tired of tripping over boxes in my living room because you’re incapable of just being vulnerable with me.
Year of Our (Audre) Lorde: January’s Uses of the Erotic
Introducing our new series: Year of Our (Audre) Lorde, a monthly analysis of works by queen mother Audre Lorde as they apply to our current political moment. First, how harnessing our erotic power can help us THRIVE!
What Can Black Queer People Learn From the Lost Queer Joy of the Civil Rights Movement?
More than anything, this year, I wish black queer and trans people JOY. Martin Luther King didn’t fight that damn hard for us not to have a quality of life that comes with celebrating our joy and humanity first.
Martin Luther King Day Roundtable: What’s In Your Black Justice Toolkit?
Black justice is not the sole responsibility of only black people. We’re asking: What does black liberation look like for you, and what are you prepared to do to get there?
Curls That Dance Under Any Light: Rediscovering My Queer Hair in India
I’m not sure I am any of the things that the aunties here tell me I am: Good. Hindu. Girl. I’m not sure about a lot of things these days. But I’ve found a way to care for myself that keeps me alive.
Jillian Mercado Is Queer: Model, Activist and Gen Q Actress Comes Out on Instagram
“Being a woman, having a disability, being Dominican, and finally I can add to that magical layer being queer.” — Welcome to the Magic Club, Jillian!
Trans Women of Color Organizers Are Building a Movement to Decriminalize Sex Work in D.C.
These trans women activists have banded together in support of a city council bill that, if passed, would decriminalize consensual sex work in D.C. for people who are 18 and older, building grassroots power for their own communities.
“I Am the Terrorist I Must Disarm”: An Interview with Staceyann Chin
I was in high school when I first saw Staceyann Chin perform, barefoot and incensed. She was fearless in her rage, her sexuality, her eloquence. Now, I feel the same reading her as I felt watching all those years ago — as if I’m being granted permission.
The Burlesque Show
Minutes before I saw Poison Ivory pour champagne down her back and watch it drip between her legs, I knew seeing this black burlesque performer would evoke Power.
The Top 100 Queer and Trans Women of Color Television Characters in TV History
The television landscape is changing rapidly. Where does that leave lesbian, bisexual, and trans women of color on TV? Where have been, and more importantly — where are we going?
Lena Waithe’s “Queen & Slim” Left Me Still Hungry for Black Queer Freedom
“For a work touted as blackness for Black people, Queen & Slim ultimately offers not hope or a way forward, but more images of beautiful Black corpses added to the growing canon of Black death for consumption. And I’m simply not able to keep bearing witness.”
Holigay Gift Guide: Support These POC Indie Designers in 2019!
Whatever your feelings about consumerism and capitalism, we think that you’ll agree — it would be great if some of those funds found their way into people of color owned businesses and communities. Spread the joy of economic responsibility, racial justice — and really cute earrings — this holigay season.