There is no denying that this Pride has been different. At the same time, this past month has also helped us lean into the roots of Pride, and only deepened my understanding and appreciation for our fore-queers who fought in the streets for LGBTQ+ liberation. Instead of the normal Pride March this month, my friends and I joined millions of people around the country to protest white supremacy and police violence. These protests were led by Black organizers and activists who have already made incredible strides in the fight for human rights and justice.

Similarly, 51 years ago outside the Stonewall Inn, Black trans womxn began riots against police violence and racist, homophobic, and transphobic policing. This initial riot kicked off continuous protests in the name of queer and trans liberation. That liberation didn’t happen overnight -- and there’s still a lot of work to do -- but there’s no doubt that we wouldn’t be where we are today as a community if not for these incredibly brave Black and brown trans womxn who did it first. They didn’t accept racist and harmful systems. I won’t either.

That’s why it’s so important to recognize that, despite all the great things that have happened for the queer community and the Black Lives Matter movement, Black trans people face a disproportionate amount of fatal violence. In the past few weeks alone, we’ve seen the police shooting of Tony McDade in Florida and the murders of Riah Milton, Dominique “Rem’mie” Fells, and Nina Pop. There are too many others we could add to this list. We honor all their memories with love and action. Today and everyday, Black Trans Lives Matter. 

In solidarity,
Emma González
March For Our Lives

P.S. My friend and fellow student organizer, Matthew Hogenmiller, designed these awesome t-shirts and 100% of the proceeds will go to The Okra Project, an organization that combats food insecurity for Black trans and gender non-comforming people. Order yours before they’re gone!