4 Ways To Support BIPOC In The LGBTQ+ Community
By Mo Abdullah of Culture Energized
Opinions expressed in this article do not necessarily represent the views of Best Served. To achieve our mission of bringing more voices to the table, we are committed to sharing a variety of viewpoints across the industry.
Why It Matters: What Does QTBIPOC Mean?
QTBIPOC stands for Queer, Transgender, Black, Indigenous, People of Color (POC), an abbreviation to help focus on the struggles and experience of Balck Americans, Indigenous groups, and POC within the queer and transgender community. The duality of race and gender identity has led to increased violence, discrimination, and futher marginalization of QTBIPOC. Black trans people, in particular, need our support right now; despite progress in the fight for gay rights, they continue to suffer the potentially lethal consquences of racism, sexism, and homophobia.
Create Inclusive Spaces
No two queer experiences are the same, and it’s important to recognize that allies and LGBTQ+ people alike always have growing to do. You may identify as queer or have a friend who does, but that doesn’t mean you know what all QTBIPOC people are going through.
To get started:
Including QTBIPOC representation and visuals in your spaces.
Adopting more inclusive language and terminology.
Amplifying QTBIPOC voices and including their representation and experience when making decisions.
Take a clear and vocal stance on Black Lives Matter and other Social Justice issues.
2. Expand Your Media Representation
Representation Matters! What we watch and consume can make us prey to stereotypes. To move into a deeper place of empathy and understanding, expand your media and literature intake on the diverse lived experiences of the Black LGBTQIA+ community and the discrimination they’ve faced.
To get started:
Follow QTBIPOC on: Instagram, Tik Tok, or YouTube - Check out @Jade Fox, @Fatima Ashghar, @T&J Family and @Annie Elainey, and many more.
Expose yourself to films, authors, and documentaries that counter stereotypical roles and experiences.
Acknowledge and share QTBIPOC contributions & accomplishments.
3. Speak Up & Intervene
If you bear witness to someone making a homophobic, transphobic, or racist statement or joke, whether or not the discriminated person or group is present, say something corrective. Sometimes visual allyship is necessary to send a clear message, and it may not always be convenient or easy to speak up at the moment.
To get started:
Educate yourself on how to identify, and interrupt microaggressions.
Bring up and question why “QTBIPOC” voices are not in the room when decisions are being made that impact them.
Don’t be afraid to call out yourself and check your biases.
4. Support QTBIPOC Organizations
Black Visions Collective - A Black-led queer and trans-centered organizing network committed to dismantling systems of oppression and violence.
Marsha P Johnson Institute - A Black-led queer and trans-centered organizing network committed to dismantling systems of oppression and violence.
Mobilizing Our Brothers Initiative (MOBI) - A series of curated social connectivity events for queer People of Color to see their holistic self while promoting community, wellness, and personal development
Mariam (Mo) Abdullah is the Founder of Culture Energized and an experienced certified trainer and entrepreneur. Originally from Atlanta, Georgia, Mo has worked with over 60 schools and organizations across the U.S in creating positive culture through professional development trainings. In addition, she has over 5 years experience working in the education and non profit sector servicing over 2,500 students, teachers and professionals on social emotional learning, group management and youth leadership. With her electrifying facilitation style, she has been able to impact diverse groups of people while shining light on the issues that matter!
