I give a f_ck because it’s critically important to have a dedicated safe space for Black LGBTQ+ community members to engage and educate—internally and externally—each other and the community-at-large on issues that affect us and shed light on systemic, racial discrimination that we face every day.

Historically, our voices and experiences have not been heard. This campaign will spark conversations that are well overdue with the hope of advocating for a more inclusive and equitable outlook on the lives, health, safety, and acceptance of Black LGBTQ+ people from non-LGBTQ+, non-Black folks.

Humanity first is a principle that I live by as a Black queer person. There is a litany of adversities I personally face, and while I have been able to overcome, I know for others it may not be as simple. I give a f_ck mostly because I know it is necessary. So many Black queer folx become subject to their own vices or become jaded simply because no one took the time to care.

It’s important that Black queer people—especially Black queer youth—know that there is a network of people ready to embrace, uplift, and support them throughout their journey of self-discover. I had no Black queer representation, so it is my duty to be that for the people living today.

I give a f_ck because I deeply care for and believe in Black people. I believe in our stories and narratives. I believe what we say about our experiences as we navigate the world and even our own communities to be true. I believe in our inherent power and beauty. I believe all that our ancestors have dreamt for us. I believe in who we were/are before and beyond our struggle. And I know deep in my heart that it takes the collective of us and bringing our most marginalized to the center in order for the whole of us to be free.

I believe no one is free until we are all free. I feel like too often movements to support people develop blind spots on purpose, neglecting to support Black LGBTQ+ folks out of ignorance. I want to disrupt that pattern and become a bridge for more people to fight for the health and freedom of our community. I want to practice an allyship that transforms into comradeship. I give a f_ck because that’s my duty.

I give a f_ck because someone gave a f_ck about me. As a cis gay White man, the least I can do is give a f_ck for my Black queer family. I would not be where I am today if it weren’t for the Black queer pioneers of the LGBTQ+ movement.

If we don’t give a f_ck about our community, we will be easily erased, denied, and forgotten. Giving a f_ck means that I care enough about my community and my world to speak up and stand up for my Black queer family.

As a Black queer woman, it’s important to me to not only be represented, but to support my community as a whole. It is essential to provide safe spaces and open conversations to discuss, address, and resolve the issues of the Black LGBTQ+ community. It starts within. That’s why I give a f_ck!

I believe in BlaqOut.

BlaqOut has an answer for community insecurity in Kansas City’s Black queer community. When we belong, we are healthier, believe in ourselves, love ourselves better, and grow secure in who we are. Every person deserves a place to call home because, at home, they know someone cares.

BlaqOut makes no space for othering and wears acceptance as a badge of honor. They are an empowered group that empowers others. That kind of impact is life-affirming for anyone who believes they walk alone.

I give a f_ck about BlaqOut and this campaign because BlaqOut gives a f_ck about Black queer community in Kansas City and the specific issues that affect us. Living in a city that has gone to great lengths to erase our history and destroy the few safe spaces we had has left my community with nowhere to go and no space to safely exist. BlaqOut, through its work and this campaign have created safe spaces for us to exist safely in our bodies.

This campaign is but one more way BlaqOut seeks to serve as an unapologetic home for Black queer and trans community in Kansas City—and that’s why I give a f_ck about BlaqOut’s Give A F_ck campaign.

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.

I support raising awareness for the Black LGBTQ+ community because every person deserves belonging, respect, safety, and acceptance. Discrimination, harassment, and violence against Black LGBTQ+ communities are pervasive and unacceptable. Working collectively on this campaign to create a space where we can amplify lived experiences of my friends and family members is everything to me!

We must provide safety, justice, and acceptance—our future depends on it. Count me in!

I care about the lives of marginalized bodies and experiences. We know at the core of every single movement for liberation we see Black, brown, Indigenous, and, more often than not, queer folks on the frontlines. I give a f_ck that not only do we get free, but we are able to live freely too.

I acknowledge that not only are we not a monolith, we are absolutely in need of similar resources—safe spaces, health care accessibility, shelter, community, and opportunities to live, love, work, and celebrate authentically. I give a f_ck that Black queer people have a sanctuary especially here in KC.

Supporting the Black LGBTQ+ community is important for promoting inclusivity and dismantling intersecting systems of discrimination. Black LGBTQ+ people encounter systemic oppression, based on both race and sexual orientation or gender identity. By advocating for our rights, we promote justice, equality, and empowerment for all individuals.

Change isn't change until it changes. To live in a world where EVERYONE is seen, heard, and valued requires action above words—and that's what BlaqOut is here to do. If no one else, then who? So why not us!

I give a f_ck because I believe deeply in the liberation and reparations of Black queer people. I believe that no life should ever be cut short due to bigotry or hatred. It is my community’s responsibility to assist and participate in the building of infrastructure to ensure that freedom and liberation is the status quo for Black queer people.