Pride Month: Black Queer Voices We Love

Black Queer Voices to Add to Your Life

By The Editors

Fact: Pride Month wouldn't exist without Black queer advocates. What many are learning is that Pride Month and LGBTQ+ rights wouldn't be where they are today without key events like the Stonewall Riots and activist Marsha P. Johnson. In honor of Pride Month and the Black lives crucial to the movement, we're taking a moment to recommend some revolutionary voices in the Black queer community. Remember this as you celebrate the last day of Pride: All Black Lives Matter. 
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George M. Johnson (@IamGMJohnson)

Before writing his memoir All Boys Aren't Blue, Johnson already had an impressive history as an activist, journalist, and a columnist for AFROPUNK. His memoir is written for Black queer teens and young adults in their own journeys, but should be required reading for anyone who needs to know about the struggle of Black queer boys (so...everyone). Through accessible personal essays about growing up in both Virginia and New Jersey, audiences are certain to be captivated by his resilience and will to fight for the right to exist. 

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Kacen Callender (@kacencallender) 

Ever wished there was a young adult book with an accurate depiction of a Black trans character? Look no further! Callender's book Felix Ever After (2020) presents a charming narrative about a trans boy falling in love while also tackling hard topics like transphobia and identity. 

Callender, a native of the U.S. Virgin Islands, has also penned several other middle grade and YA books with LGBTQ+ characters, including Hurricane Girl, This is Kind of an Epic Love Story, and King of the Dragonflies. If you're looking for a great new Caribbean fantasy to add to your to-read pile, they also wrote two books in their Islands of Blood and Storm duet. 


Patrisse Cullors (@OsopePatrisse)

One of the three founders of the Black Lives Matter movement, Cullors' memoir When They Call You a Terrorist explores all of the ways Black bodies are disregarded by society and why yesterday was the day for abolition. For anyone confused as to how disability and LGBTQ+ rights are integrally linked to Black Lives Matter, Cullors' memoir will introduce you to the reality that systemic racism deeply embeds itself into every facet of our existence. 


Machaizelli Kahey (@MacDoesIt)

Kahey (known by his YouTube name MacDoesIt) is unapologetically funny, Black, and gay. His best known videos are his reactions to homophobia on the internet and in commercials, though his entire catalog covers other trendy topics such as try-on hauls, buying and trying out different childhood toys, and making food blindfolded. Kahey also never shies away from tough topics when needed, even at the young age of 23. There's a reason why the YouTuber won the Shorty Award for Best YouTube Comedian. Though do be careful when listening to his videos with headphones, or you'll be blown away by his editing (you'll see). 


While this isn't even close to every Black LGBTQ+ voice in the game, we hope this paves the way for you to find even more powerhouse voices to appreciate! Sound off below about your own recommendations. Remember, just because your timeline is back to normal doesn't mean our work is done.