Black, Queer, and In Love

Black love is a revolutionary act. It always has been. In a world that has tried to break us, separate us, and redefine us, Black love remains a testament to resilience, joy, and the unshakable power of unity. When I think about Black love, I see more than just romance—I see a deep, historical connection that stretches back generations, surviving despite enslavement, segregation, and systemic attempts to dismantle our families and communities.
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For centuries, Black love has been a form of resistance. Enslaved Black people were denied legal marriages, yet they still found ways to commit to one another, jumping the broom and creating families in the face of unimaginable hardship. During the Civil Rights Movement, Black couples stood together, fighting for their right to exist freely. Even today, we see how Black love provides a foundation for building generational wealth, nurturing children, and creating safe spaces where we can be our most authentic selves.

But Black love is not monolithic. It is not just heterosexual. It is not just cisgender. It is not just one type of love story. Including queer Black love in this narrative is essential because Blackness itself is diverse, expansive, and beautifully complex. To fully embrace Black love, we must recognize and uplift all its expressions—whether between two women, two men, nonbinary folks, or any other identity along the spectrum. Queer Black love is not new; it has always existed, even when history tried to erase it.

James Baldwin, Audre Lorde, and Marsha P. Johnson are just a few examples of Black queer individuals who have shaped culture, literature, and activism. Their existence and their love have paved the way for many of us to live and love more freely. And yet, even within Black communities, queer love is often pushed to the margins. When we celebrate Black love, we must be intentional about including all of us in that celebration. That means showing Black queer couples in media, recognizing queer relationships in our families, and making space for the unique challenges and joys that come with being both Black and LGBTQ+.

Representation matters. When young Black queer people see themselves reflected in love stories, they understand that they, too, are worthy of romance, companionship, and deep, soulful connection. Black love should not be limited to one narrow depiction—it should be vast, inclusive, and reflective of our entire community.

To honor Black love is to honor its full history, its full range, and its full beauty. It is to understand that love, in all its forms, is a vital part of our liberation. And that includes every Black person—straight, queer, trans, nonbinary—because when we all thrive in love, our community thrives with us.

I hope we all can keep this in mind as the next four years become challenging for us. Be black. Be loud. Be proud.