the speakeasy

foolish child

Saturday Morning Cartoons

webcomics

Foolish Child #94: The Verdict

“Junior, you’ve learned more about social justice in the first nine years of your life than —”

Dickens —

Apr 21, 2021

autostraddle behind the scenes

black history month

af+

Editor’s Notes: On Black History Month 2021

I am unapologetically, over the moon, absolutely just cheesy cornball, would probably make you roll your eyes levels, proud of being Black, especially during this — the 28 Blackest days…

Carmen Phillips —

Feb 27, 2021

black history month

black history month 2021

first person

Everything That Matters Is Stuck in the Back of My Throat

All I have is an ellipsis. Grief is a flat circle. And I never imagined I would have to live through grieving her.

Carmen Phillips —

Feb 27, 2021

audre lorde

black history month

first person

Queering Faith: Reclaiming the Holy of Sexuality

How do you tell them your poem about pussy doesn’t negate your love for God? That your spirituality isn’t separate but an extension of you?

Khalisa Rae Thompson —

Feb 25, 2021

black history month

black history month 2021

first person

Wrestling With Kamala and Beyond: Reckoning With Blackness, Womanhood, and What Comes Next

I am ready to be fearless. To dream beyond Black womanhood and know that I — Black, queer, and not-quite-sure — am worthy, so worthy of all of the love, affirmation, and…

shea wesley martin —

Feb 23, 2021

black history month

black history month 2021

first person

Gender Fluidity and the Black Atlantic

I always wonder what words my ancestors had for someone like me. In embracing my genderfluid identity, I’ve found great comfort in the deep and wide of the Atlantic —…

Lazarus —

Feb 18, 2021

community

the speakeasy

travel

Six Black Queer Travelers Share How They Attempt to Locate Community Around the Globe

As a Black queer traveler, there are a whole host of reasons why finding other Black queer communities can be difficult. Black Queer Travel Guide spoke to six Black queer…

Paula Akpan —

Feb 18, 2021

personal essay

the speakeasy

first person

Making Amends with Valentine’s Day

I hid behind instruments, computers, Whitney’s voice, Prince’s guitar. I sat in front of my computer surrounded by cassettes, illegally downloading songs, awkwardly whispering “I love you more than I…

shea wesley martin —

Feb 11, 2021

black history month

foolish child

visual art

Foolish Child #90: It’s Black History Month, I’m on Break

Are you asking me if I want to work more than just my regular work days? In Black History Month!?!

Dickens —

Feb 10, 2021

amazon prime video

sundance

film

Sundance 2021: “My Name Is Pauli Murray” Shines Brightest When Pauli Murray Takes the Lead

Pauli Murray was unspeakably brilliant, and their warmth is best captured on their own terms. With over 141 boxes of writings, 800 photographs, and dozens of tapes — the documentary…

Carmen Phillips —

Feb 2, 2021

martin luther king day

the speakeasy

politics + activism

The Civil Rights Movement, Black Lives Matter, and the Ferocious Possibilities of Black Liberation in Our Darkest Hour

It feels impossible not to see this Martin Luther King Day as one of grief and mourning. But Dr. King’s soft words were never going to save us. Look to…

Carmen Phillips —

Jan 18, 2021

foolish child

the speakeasy

visual art

Foolish Child #88: Insurrection

“Are you watching white supremacists storm the capitol while eating a bowl of popcorn??”

Dickens —

Jan 13, 2021