Black History Month is more than a commemoration of the past—it is a call to action. It is a moment to reflect on the indelible impact that Black leaders, activists, and communities have had on every movement for justice and liberation, including the fight for LGBTQ+ rights. At Pridelines, we understand that the struggle for LGBTQ+ equity has always been deeply intertwined with the Black freedom struggle. The history of civil rights is the history of queer rights, and the history of queer resistance is, in so many ways, Black history.
This month, Pridelines is taking intentional steps to honor that legacy. We will provide our staff with a day off to immerse themselves in the richness of Black culture, engage with organizations celebrating Black history, and uplift the work of those who continue to push for justice today. More importantly, we reaffirm that Black history must be honored beyond the bounds of February—it must be celebrated, studied, and embodied every single day.
The echoes of Black civil rights leaders can be found in the LGBTQ+ movement’s DNA. The late Julian Bond, who co-founded the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee (SNCC) and later became a champion for LGBTQ+ equality, once said:
“We all should be concerned about equality because inequality anywhere threatens equality everywhere.”
His words remind us that our fights are not isolated—they are interconnected. To stand for LGBTQ+ rights without standing for racial justice is to ignore the very foundation of our collective struggle. Similarly, John Lewis, a towering figure of the civil rights movement and a steadfast ally to the LGBTQ+ community, reminded us of our responsibility to press forward in the face of injustice:
“Never, ever be afraid to make some noise and get in good trouble, necessary trouble.”
The activists who led the charge for LGBTQ+ rights—from Bayard Rustin, the openly gay strategist behind the March on Washington, to Marsha P. Johnson, a Black trans woman who ignited the Stonewall Uprising—embodied this spirit of “good trouble.” They understood that justice is never freely given; it is demanded.
Today, Pridelines carries that torch forward. We do so by building safe spaces that affirm Black LGBTQ+ lives, by fighting for equitable healthcare, housing, and social services, and by standing in solidarity with Black-led organizations that continue to push for change.
This month—and every month—we honor Black history by ensuring that it is not relegated to the margins. We uplift it, amplify it, and carry it forward. Because Black history is LGBTQ+ history. And the struggle for liberation continues.
Dr. Edward Summers
Executive Director
Pridelines