Hey everyone, this is one of my favorite months. For two reasons, PRIDE and the beginning of summer. I haven't been keeping up with post like I want, as I am very busy with other things that have come more a priority. However, I hope that this month I'm hoping to be more consistent with my posts. I hope everyone has a great month, and to stay safe. I also want to give a shout out to all the wonderful FABULOUS people who make up the community, as well as the wonderful allies.
Here are some important, and maybe lesser know figures and allies of the LGBTQI community:
1.) James Baldwin- James was born in 1924 in Harlem, New York, a prolific writer and activist, he spent a lot of his time in France, when his own country constantly turned its back on him. Baldwin wrote personal stuff, plays, and gay literature. He spent a lot of his time working and speaking for civil rights, and gay rights.
2.) Bessie Smith- This fearless woman, who also shares the same birthday as me was also a legendary blues singer. Born on April. 15th 1894 in Chattanooga Tennessee. Not only was she termed the " Empress of Blues", but she also had a career on Broadway for a short time. She was known for Blues and Jazz hits like, " Ain't no body's Business" and" Nobody knows you when you're down and out." Her life came to a tragic end when she was in a car crash and was refused treatment because she was an African-American woman and the hospital was segregated to whites only. Bessie had relationships with both men and women.
3.) Christine Jorgensen : From GI in WW2, to becoming the first person to have sexual reassignment surgery. She sure had a lot of chutzpah. We owe a lot to her grace, fearlessness and what she did to help the movement. Born in the Bronx in 1926. If you're in the Castro District in SF, check out her star on the fame walk there.
4.) Angela Davis- Born in Birmingham Alabama in 1944. Longtime activist and speaker, as well as professor. Angela Davis is one worth mentioning. She was falsely accused of murder in the 1970s and since freed as long spoken on police brutality and prison reform. She is also the author of many books included some works on feminism. She has been in a relationship with life partner Gina Dent.
5.) Lily Tomlin: Born in Detroit Michigan in 1939. We all know her as Franky on Netflix's hit Grace and Franky. She plays the eccentric ex-wife of Sol ( Sam Waterson.) She is also known for a life long career on the screen and in activism both in LGBTQ, women's rights and environmental. She has been with her partner Jane Wagoner for decades.
6.) Bella Abzug: Born in the Bronx NY in 1920. Not only was she a career lawyer in civil rights and labor Before RBG!) . She was also a political campion for women, minorities and the disenfranchised. A long advocate for gay and lesbian rights at a time when almost no one, especially straight women would say the term. During her second term in congress, she and Ed Koch who was a closeted gay NY politician signed the first gay rights amendment bill. She remained a strong ally both to the LGBTQI and AIDS community till her death in 1998.
6.) Estelle Getty: Born in New York City in 1923. We all know the loveable, sarcastic Sicilian mother on the Golden girls. We also remember what an ally she played as Sophia. However, this went past the screen, like much of the GG cast. She was an avid HIV/AIDS activist. Including opening a hospice for HIV/AIDs patients. She lost her long battle with Lewy Body Dementia in 2008 . Thank you for being a friend.
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