The Autostraddle Black Elders Interview Project News

black history month

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Behind the Scenes: The Autostraddle Black Elders Interview Project

“You and I are family.”

the team —

Feb 27, 2023

black history month

interview

a black and white photo of Barbara Johnson, a Black woman and elder, is the center focal point of this collage. Beautiful collaged items including newsprint, colors, squiggles, and lines surround her. She's wearing a sweatshirt that says Brooklyn on the front.

community

“I Don’t Want To Be Forgotten”

“So I just accepted the fact that I truly was gay. I had to be gay. That was my acceptance of myself. I made an announcement in my own head…

Sa’iyda Shabazz —

Feb 27, 2023

black history month

interview

a black and white photo of Malcolm Reid, a smiling Black gay man and elder, is the center focal point of this collage. Beautiful collaged items including newsprint, colors, squiggles, and lines surround Malcolm.

community

“I Needed To Create Something To Save Myself… That’s What I’ve Done”

“Ain’t nobody trying to slow down! Life is fun. Keep doing it.”

shea wesley martin —

Feb 20, 2023

black history month

interview

a black and white image of DonnaSue, a Black butch elder, is at the center of this collage. the artist has layered newsprint, paper, and lines over the photo to create a gorgeous playful picture of DonnaSue

community

“Mother Has Lived, What Can I Say?”

DonnaSue Johnson describes herself as a “big, black, beautiful, Bohemian, bougie, Buddhist butch.”

danijanae —

Feb 13, 2023

black history month

interview

a black and white photo of Donald Bell, an older Black man with a beard and a large smile. Behind Don is a gorgeous collage filled with yellows, blacks, blues, and reds.

community

“And I Said to God, Isn’t Being Black Enough? Do I Have To Be Gay Too?”

“The truth of our history is that gay, lesbian, and gender-expansive people were normal and recognized in the Black community.”

shea wesley martin —

Feb 6, 2023

black history month

interview

a black and white photo of Ray Gibson, a Black trans man and elder, is the center focal point of this collage. Beautiful collaged items including newsprint, colors, squiggles, and lines surround Ray.

community

“I Didn’t Know Trans Men Existed Until I Saw Chaz Bono on Dancing With the Stars”

This year, the Autostraddle team decided to focus our Black History Month coverage on the Black elders who are still here and still doing the work. We welcome our readers…

Sa’iyda Shabazz —

Feb 1, 2023