Today marks the beginning of Black History Month. In celebration we will be running a series of posts throughout the month exploring the rich and varied experiences of Black LGBT people. The posts and video clips from Bilerico contributors and guest bloggers will include history, culture, politics and a bit of sex.
We began with this fascinating clip from the documentary Before Stonewall: The Making of a Gay and Lesbian Community of Black lesbians recounting what gay life was like in Harlem before the Stonewall Riots. As one woman says, "It did not begin with Stonewall."
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4 Comments
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As one woman says, "It did not begin with Stonewall."
Michael,
This is so true!
I went to meet Harry Hay back in 1996 at his home in Los Angeles and honey, the stories he told! He told stories about the LGBT community in the 40's and the 50's.
Christopher | February 1, 2008 2:30 PM
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Thanks for the clip, Michael, and I look forward to the series, particularly the opportunity for others to learn of one of my personal greatest heroes, Bayard Rustin. When I look back to that magical day when I was fortunate enough to be able to watch the 1963 Great March on Washington live on television as a far-from-out-yet white teenager in still conservative Terre Haute, Indiana, I think of how much it would have meant to me then to know he was gay, as well as its chief organizer, among his other many accomplishments. I don't actually remember seeing him, but as I now know he spoke for at least a couple of minutes, I must have seen and heard him.
Michael Bedwell | February 1, 2008 2:37 PM
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Thanks for the clip, Michael, and I look forward to the series, particularly the opportunity for others to learn of one of my personal greatest heroes, Bayard Rustin. When I look back to that magical day when I was fortunate enough to be able to watch the 1963 Great March on Washington live on television as a far-from-out-yet white teenager in still conservative Terre Haute, Indiana, I think of how much it would have meant to me then to know he was gay, as well as its chief organizer, among his other many accomplishments. I don't actually remember seeing him, but as I now know he spoke for at least a couple of minutes, I must have seen and heard him.
Michael Bedwell | February 1, 2008 2:38 PM
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Thanks for agreeing to lead this effort during Black History Month, Michael. Sometimes I look at how far we've come as a blog and I just smile. Thanks. I appreciate the work you're putting in.
Bil Browning | February 1, 2008 7:48 PM
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