You Belong Co-Founders, former NFL player Wade Davis and writer Darnell L. Moore teamed up with GLAAD, National Black Justice Coalition, Politini Media, Feministing.com, HRC Foundation (HRCF) and EBONY.com to launch – “This Is Luv” (#ThisIsLuv), a multi-media campaign highlighting affirming LGBT love in Black communities and families.
There is a dominant and pervasive narrative within the US and internationally that the Black community is overwhelmingly more homophobic than other groups, but we know that this biased assumption is unfounded. Homophobia exists in all communities. Black LGBTQ people often tell stories of affirmation and antagonism, which is no different than others.
“Too many people within the Black LGBT community believe this myth and never allow themselves to be loved by their families,” says Wade Davis. “Our goal is make it known that love for Black LGBT people exists in our community.”
This campaign offers a counter-narrative, and its chief aim is to give space for our community to come together and show love. Celebrities, writers, and advocates will share photos and video blogs about the supportive and caring relationships that have transcended sexual orientation or gender identity. We’ll engage online communities to share their stories of acceptance and support via the hashtag #ThisIsLuv and reframe the conversation about the Black community’s relationship to its LGBT members. Individuals should upload photos to our Tumblr and/or Facebook pages here: thisisluvproject.tumblr.com and https://www.facebook.com/thisisluvproject. As well as email us at [email protected] and use the hashtag #ThisIsLuv on all other social media platforms including Twitter and Instagram.
“Part of what we wanted to offer is space to place Black LGBT affirming love front and center,” says Darnell Moore. “Many of us are loved by our families and friends and some of us have experienced alienation and hurt, but isn’t that the case for so many others? We are hoping people will use this an opportunity to further dialogue.” On Sunday, February 22nd, we will hold a Town Hall Discussion at the Human Rights Campaign (HRC) with special guests: Former NBA Star Jason Collins, EJ Johnson (Son of NBA Great Magic Johnson), Mychal Denzel Smith (The Nation), Danielle Moodie-Mills (Politini), Lori Adelman (Feministing.com), Miss Lawrence (Real Housewives of Atlanta, Fashion Queens), Tiq Milan (GLAAD), and former NFL player and thought leader Wade Davis – Hosted by Darnell Moore and Aisha Moodie-Mills.
“I, along with countless other Black gay and transgender people, have an amazing support system in my family. Their voices are constantly drowned out by the pervading idea that there is no room for Black LGBT people within our own communities,” says Tiq Milan. This February as we celebrate love and Black History Month, this campaign is a much needed recognition and examination of where love and Black LGBT identity intersect.”
The campaign will launch on February 16th and continue throughout the month of February
