The #blacklivesmatter movement has engaged much of America in a necessary dialogue about the intersections of lethality and race; however the stories of Black LGBTQ folks have been pushed to the side, and mainly ignored by mainstream anti-violence movements. This panel will be an opportunity to bring together diverse voices from Black LGBTQ survivors of violence, share stories of survival and celebration, and discuss ways to ensure that Black LGBTQ voices are not marginalized in calls for justice.

The SpeakFire! Panel Series is a brave space for LGBTQ people of color and their allies to reflect on our histories of great resistance and love. It is our goal to foster teachable moments, provide information on how we can help ourselves, and support the growth of new leadership within the Baltimore black LGBTQ community. Center for Black Equity-Baltimore and FreeState Legal Project would like to thank STAR TRACK, Black Transmen Inc., and Sistas of the “T” for their invaluable participation in the planning of these events.