Black queer and same-gender loving (SGL) heroes like Marsha P. Johnson, Essex Hemphill, Bayard Rustin, and James Baldwin have played a vital role in shaping the LGBTQ+ rights movement, yet their contributions are often overlooked in mainstream narratives of LGBTQ+ history. In recognition of Black History Month, and every day, it is crucial that we remember and celebrate the lives and legacies of these trailblazers.

Marsha P. Johnson, a Black transgender woman, was a leading figure in the Stonewall riots and continued to be a vocal advocate for LGBTQ+ rights until her untimely death in 1992. Essex Hemphill, a Black gay poet and performer, used his art to challenge societal norms and raise awareness about the experiences of Black gay men. Bayard Rustin, a gay civil rights activist, played a key role in organizing the March on Washington and advising Martin Luther King Jr. James Baldwin, a gay Black writer and activist, wrote powerful works that explored the intersection of race, sexuality, and identity.

These heroes and many others like them laid the foundation for the LGBTQ+ rights movement, and it is essential that we continue their legacy by uplifting and supporting Black queer-led organizations. Organizations like THRIVE, which focuses on the health and well-being of Black LGBTQ+ communities, are crucial in furthering the work of these trailblazers.

It is important to remember and honor the contributions of Black queer and SGL heroes not just in the month of February, but every day. Their legacy continues to inspire and guide us as we strive towards a more just and equitable society.