This week a new campaign was launched in Britain to raise awareness of its black lesbian and gay leaders, part of the 100 Black Britons event as the country prepares to celebrate its Lesbian, Gay Bisexual and Transgender Month. "Their contribution is too often ignored. This list is a key way of letting communities, black and white, straight and gay, celebrate that contribution," says Rob Berkeley of the Black Gay Men's Advisory Group.
Just a few of the leaders honored are above. At left, Justin Fashanu was the first professional footballer to declare his homosexuality, but his career was derailed by homophobia in both the Black community and in English football. Inge Blackman is a writer, director and film programmer. She has directed several documentaries for British television including BD Women, a stylized documentary about black lesbian culture. At right, Isaac Julien needs little introduction; he's a brilliant director, screenwriter, artist and critic.
Campaign to Raise Awareness of Gay Black Leaders (Gay.com)
Previously:
The Iceman Cometh (Rod 2.0) Brit Campaign Against Black Homophobia (Rod 2.0)
Justin was of Nigerian descent. He was my first gay role model. I am glad he is being remembered.
Posted by: afrohomo | 23 February 2006 at 22:42