The accomplishments of Black LGBTQ+ citizens have often been downplayed or ignored while they face the compounding impacts of racism and anti-LGBTQ+ bias. However, these harsh realities have not diminished the impact of notable Black LGBTQ+ leaders like Barbara Jordan, Marsha P. Johnson, and Bayard Rustin.

As we celebrate Black History Month, it is critical that we honor the remarkable and unique contributions of all LGBTQ+ Black Americans throughout U.S. history – those whose names we easily recognize and those whose names we’ll never know. This resolution is an important step in ensuring that their contributions are remembered and properly commemorated.”

Too often the contributions of Black LGBTQ+ Americans to our society have been ignored or erased. They made contributions to various aspects of American culture and numerous fields and industries that significantly transformed our country, yet many of us are not aware of them. This resolution uplifts those accomplishments and finally recognizes the indelible impact that Black LGBTQ+ Americans had on our country and that we still feel today.”

Black LGBTQ+ people have played critical roles throughout our nation’s history, but all too often, their contributions have gone unrecognized. By recognizing their contributions, we are recognizing the fact that Black LGBTQ+ history is American history. This resolution sends a powerful message that Black LGBTQ+ history matters, that Black LGBTQ+ stories matter, and that all Black lives matter.”

We are beyond proud to partner with Congresswoman Lee to introduce this important resolution highlighting the accomplishments of so many inspiring Black LGBTQ+ leaders. The struggles for racial justice and LGBTQ+ equality are not the same, but they have always been intertwined. From Bayard Rustin and Marsha P. Johnson to Alphonso David and Imani Rupert-Gordon, Black LGBTQ+ civil rights leaders have had a major impact on our shared histories — and they are shaping our movement today. We're grateful for the opportunity to celebrate their work and their transformative impacts on our nation."