Two life lessons showed up way too early in my life: The color of my skin AND being gay could affect what people thought of me and how they chose to treat me.

Neither of those characteristics should keep anyone from receiving the care and support they deserve as human beings. Fear is often coupled with what is misunderstood or unknown. This leads to disparate and damaging outcomes for many in our community. Shining light on our experiences—and why they matter—must be an integral part of the way forward, upward, and onward for the Black LGBTQ+ community.