Intersectionality,
a word you hear a lot, but do you really understand it, fully?

A word introduced in the 1980’s. by Professor Kimberlé Crenshaw,
to show that there’s more than one characteristic, that a person can be at risk of experiencing discrimination for.

It’s about community, social relations, the chance to highlight LGBTQ+ issues & with all people, continue the Black History education,
if your life is made harder, through no fault of your own, it’s important to connect with others, ask for help & open up a conversation.

Don’t let the negativity get you down, although it is a pity,
But remember, it’s your cooperation & determination that helps individuals keep safe & to thrive within the LGBTQ+ community.

So BIG respect & thanks to Marsha P. Johnson, for fighting for what’s right & saying what they had to say,
& for raising the awareness of inequalities, that unfortunately still exist today.

But despite the pains experienced, it’s with inclusion and through perseverance, that joy can be found,
which is why, it’s so important to celebrate LGBTQ+ Black History, especially when the month of October comes around.

Maybe it’s through marching, art, music, dancing, storytelling, drama, singing, poetry, laughter or those other things that you like to do,
you’ll be safe in the knowledge, that for a whole 31 days, this month is strictly dedicated to you.

The time to say “get over it, ‘cos yes, some people are gay,” & take the opportunity to celebrate those very people, who continue to pave the way,
like Justin Fashanu, Lady Phyll, RuPaul, Laverne Cox, J Mase III & Jackie Kay, Honey Dijon, Marc Thompson, Nicola Adams, Indya Moore, John Amaechi & Gina Yashere…

& finally, knowing it’s okay to say it quietly to yourself, without apology, or shout it out loud,
“I’m a member of the LGBTQ+ family, I’m beautiful, I’m black & I’m well proud!!!

Poem by T Balogun 2021