4 Black LGBTQ Icons You Should Know

Representation is important. Students seeing other individuals at the same intersections of identity in successful careers and positions of power can have a tremendous impact. Shared identities, successes, and struggles can be affirming, inspiring, and validating.

Black LGBTQ history-makers, past and present, are often underrepresented in school curriculum and popular culture. During #BlackHistoryMonth and all year long, we celebrate the incredible contributions of the African American community in U.S. History. 

We surveyed Point Scholars about their favorite Black LGBTQ artists, activists, influencers, or anyone that has made an impact on the world and their communities. Here are four of the major changemakers LGBTQ college students say influence them:

Know Your Herstory!

Audre Lorde

"Audre Lorde is my forever favorite. While she left us many years ago, her words continue to make an impact. Her importance to Black queer women's self-recognition, her wisdom on how to imagine a better world and change our current one for the better, her fabulous writings and life... all continue to teach us."

- Point Flagship Scholar Dasia Moore, New York University.

Today's Black LGBTQ Icons

Lil Nas X

"My favorite LGBTQ icon is honestly Lil Nas X. Throughout all the hate and the adversity that comes against him, he remains true to himself, and it’s so powerful. "

- Point BIPOC Scholar Justin Parker, University of Connecticut.

Billy Porter

"Billy Porter is my favorite LBGTQ+ activist and fashion icon. He is always making headlines advocating for the rights, fair treatment, and acceptance of the LBGTQ+ community. May it be through his music, acting roles, or his day to day Mr. Porter is a legend in the LBGTQ+ community!"

- Point Community College Scholar Lerkeshia Littlejohn, Spartanburg Community College.

Building the Future

Codi Charles 

"Codi Charles is the founder and executive director of the Haus of McCoy in Lawrence, Kansas, the first Haus that is dedicated to supporting and advocating for liberation for Black and Brown Trans youth in our city. Codi is an inspiration and light for Black Trans people everywhere."

- Point BIPOC Scholar Niya McAdoo, University of Hawaii at Manoa.

Read up on more Black LGBTQ history via OutHistory.org. 

Generations of racism and an education system born from discriminatory policies have made clear that  Black, Indigenous, and People of Color face greater obstacles to educational achievement. When these challenges are combined with those faced by students who also identify as LGBTQ, the impediments can make a higher education degree seem impossible. Point aims to mitigate these issues by providing financial support, community resources, and professional development via our BIPOC Scholarship. Learn more about the Point BIPOC Scholarship.