the speakeasy

immigration

In Another World

issues

Roundtable: The Undocumented Activists Organizing a Strike and Building a New World

In a country that hates immigrants, every day immigrants are on the front line of imagining and enacting another world: One where they can safely live with basic dignity, respect,…

Christine Miranda —

Mar 24, 2020

covid-19

social distancing

politics + activism

Four Ways the COVID-19 Pandemic Is Affecting the LGBTQ+ Community

In this pandemic, we are watching the compounded failures of capitalism and narcissistic government play out. We’re seeing issues that primarily target marginalized communities now take a broader toll. But…

himani —

Mar 20, 2020

the speakeasy

first person

Lesbian Meme Culture Normalized My Abusive Relationship

Once I was out of an emotionally and sexually abusive queer relationship, I realized how lesbian memes can support unhealthy relationship dynamics. U-hauling and codependency didn’t feel like a joke…

Mat —

Mar 18, 2020

qpoc

speakeasy

community

This Checks Out Is Our New QTPOC Newsletter: Let Us Slide Into Your DMs

You can now sign up for This Checks Out, our bi-weekly newsletter curated by Carmen and Kamala that features work by queer people of color FOR queer people of color…

The Speakeasy —

Mar 16, 2020

album review

Chika

music

It’s Chika 1, Rap Industry 0 With Her Debut EP “Industry Games”

Chika’s debut EP drops TODAY an she’s re-introducing herself with a major bang! Conscious, thoughtful, craftsperson-ly lyricism and bombastic beats. I can’t wait.

Abbie Jones —

Mar 13, 2020

lena waithe

the speakeasy

tv reviews

“Twenties” Review: Lena Waithe Writes Herself Into Her Groundbreaking New BET Series To Mixed Results

Lena Waithe’s “Twenties” on BET is historic — the first black butch lesbian to ever serve as the protagonist of a comedy in TV history! Carmen and Natalie got together…

Carmen Phillips —

Mar 10, 2020

the speakeasy

trans women

first person

Six Black Trans Women on Sending Abundant, Overflowing Love to Zaya Wade

I pray that all my little trans sisters receive this love, this support and that more broadly in the black community we can make sure all of our children grow…

KUCHENGA —

Mar 9, 2020

drag

In Another World

issues

Seven Sensual Drag and Burlesque Acts Bringing Black Joy to D.C.

Spaces that center and uplift Black performers create a magic you can feel. Meet seven of Washington D.C.’s drag and burlesque performers bringing palpable Black queer joy to the stage.

Tahirah Alexander Green —

Mar 5, 2020

Gentefied

netflix

tv reviews

“Gentefied” Will Drop Brown Queer Love Bombs All Over Your Netflix Queue

Put quite simply, it feels damn good to see two Latina lesbians fully themselves, accepted by their loved ones, and at no point expected to leave their queerness at the…

Carmen Phillips —

Mar 4, 2020

black history month

black history month 2020

lesbian sex

Ain’t I A Bottom

Many Black women are raised to give our apparent struggles the stiff upper lip. We’re taught to be loud, and proud, and bigger than the world sees us. And at…

Mandy Harris Williams —

Feb 29, 2020

addiction

black history month

health

The Invisible Addicts: Addiction and Treatment in Black LGBT Communities

In my own struggle to get sober, I would spend days telling myself that my bottoms were “not that bad.” That the next day I would drink lighter, drink less,…

danijanae —

Feb 27, 2020

black history month

foolish child

webcomics

Foolish Child #66: Black History Month

A queer celebration of Black History Month.

Dickens —

Feb 26, 2020