Keecha Harris and Associates, Inc.’s Post

I am excited to share the blog post “Proud to be queer, not just in June”! This blog post touches on intersectionality, queer culture, queer history, pride, and much more… I would love to hear your thoughts! https://lnkd.in/gsXQtdN3

I don’t post about my work on LinkedIn and many people have asked me why... I guess it has always been a result of overthinking the negative impacts it could have on me and those around me. But I realise that research on inclusion should be shared so it can make a difference. If you know me, then you know my work, but if you don't - my work looks at 🌈 #LGBTQ+ inclusion and different aspects of it. So, I want to start by sharing this paper where we look at what queer people of colour think about the Sydney Mardi Gras (#SGLMG). Normally, pride celebrations can reduce stigma, increase the sense of belonging and the well-being of queer people. But, our results were interesting! Queer people of colour told us that sometimes, rather than feeling like they belonged in the celebration - they felt marginalised and excluded. This was because such events did not effectively engage with them, their cultures, and their identities. But instead, they communicated a version of queerness that our participants did not associate with - which is quite ironic to the objective of these events! What can we do? A cluster of solutions is proposed in the paper, but they mostly circle around, creating a space where we are intentional about inviting in. Ultimately, we need a considered approach that focuses on making the individual feel welcome and challenging the systems around them that make them feel excluded. 

Recently a lot of people have been noticing a drop in Queer activism, community, and supports. I get asked ALL THE TIME about why. Historically, queer activism often centered around the experiences and priorities of affluent white gay men. They rightly fought for important milestones like marriage equality, which was a significant achievement. However, as these specific rights were secured and many in this demographic felt less marginalized, the focus and leadership within the community shifted. This left a void, especially for those at the intersections of multiple forms of oppression. Intersectionality, a term coined by Kimberlé Crenshaw, underscores the interconnected nature of power within social categorizations such as race, class, gender, sexuality, and more. It's imperative to recognize that not all queer individuals experience the same levels of privilege or face the same challenges. The narrative of queer liberation cannot be limited to those who have achieved a certain level of acceptance or visibility. When we talk about why queer activism seems to have waned, it's not because the fight is over. Rather, it's because the focus has often been on issues relevant to a privileged subset of the queer community. Many are still struggling at the margins – queer people of color, transgender individuals, immigrants/refugees, those with disabilities, and others whose stories are often sidelined. The idea that queer rights are "mainstream" ignores the experiences of those for whom discrimination and violence are still very real threats. Our work is far from finished. We must commit to amplifying diverse voices within the queer community and embracing an intersectional approach that acknowledges and confronts the complex realities of oppression as a whole. Intersectionality challenges us to see the broader picture and to advocate for justice that is truly inclusive. It demands that we prioritize the voices and needs of those who are most marginalized, not the least, ensuring that our activism is not just about achieving legal victories but about addressing the deeper roots of inequality and injustice. Let's reinvigorate our commitment to queer liberation by centering intersectionality in our work. Together, we can build a more equitable and supportive community where every queer individual feels seen, heard, and empowered. The struggle continues, and it's up to each of us to stand together in solidarity and drive meaningful change. Just my two cents.

As we celebrate Pride Month I wanted to share the following post. As a gay Indigenous male, I thought it would be good to explain to all of you what the "2S" stands for in the acronym LGBTQIA2S+. The term "Two Spirit" is a translation of the Northern Algonquin word niizh manidoowag and describes a person who embodies both masculine and feminine qualities. This identity is deeply rooted in Indigenous cultures and traditions. Key Points: - Cultural Identity: Two Spirit is about cultural heritage and spirituality, not just gender or sexuality. - Gender and Sexuality: Two Spirit individuals may have qualities of both genders, distinct from contemporary LGBTQ+ identities. - Spiritual Role: Traditionally, Two Spirit people held special roles in their communities and were seen as having unique spiritual insights. Today, the Two Spirit identity helps Indigenous people honor their heritage and traditional understandings of gender and sexuality. It’s important to respect this identity and recognize its cultural significance.

So many of us have experienced the world through the writing of others, giving us a sense of belonging, validation, and escapism. Marginalized communities such as the LGBTQ+ community especially find solace in literature that properly represent their perspectives, struggles, identities, and experiences -- while giving them the ability and inspiration to think and see more deeply in their sense of selves and their sense of the world around them. Lisa Locascio Nighthawk, Chair of the MFA program, had this to say about queer representation in literature: “Those of us whose identities are marginalized, who have experienced life as the subaltern, the subject seen as an object by others, have the special skill of countering the limitations of a single story. Queer people have always had to work harder to prove themselves — as, indeed, have trans and gender-nonconforming writers, disabled writers, non-neurotypical writers, and writers of color. Occupying a subject position outside the presumed norm — able-bodied, white, male, straight — forces upon the human mind intrinsic lessons about how to call others into their world. This type of storytelling is a survival skill, one that demonstrates, over and over again, the outsider’s humanity to those for whom it is optional to recognize it. We need thoughtfully represented queer characters in literature because queer lives are human lives, resplendent in their diversity of experience—these are stories which tell us the truth about being ourselves.” Everyone deserves to see themselves represented on a page. As we celebrate #PrideMonth, check out some of these tips on how to properly portray and include LGBTQ+ individuals within your writing.

On National Coming Out Day, I humbly share this precious resource in support of all LGBTQ community members who are navigating their paths to #freedom … from boxes that don’t capture the fullness of who they are, beyond roles that don’t embrace the expansive journeys our identities are designed to travel, above the limitedness of our mythologies theologies and imaginations shielded from the isms that they didn’t deserve and that love of self and other don’t warrant toward the rights and privileges so many of us easily unknowingly and arrogantly exercise, not feeling the perpetual pain that our shortcuts hierarchies and binaries impose on queer people and their families… Today on #NationalComingOut Day, may we all be braver in our alliances of living and loving more freely, peacefully, harmoniously. May we learn more from each other with every rotational turn of the earth’s axis. We are but specks in the universe - and yet - we have the power to change the course of history. Let this paradox remind us that, like our galaxy, we can respect that which we do not fully comprehend from our limited vantage point and overly simplified frameworks. We can defy the gravitational political pull that is desperately seeking to harden our hearts. True love is reflected in a desire to keep unlearning and relearning until we get “beloved (&inclusive) community” in balance and right side up. I’ve gotten it more wrong than right many moments, I confess. I’m thankful for those who are braver than I, staying the course to break open the harmful and hateful lessons society teaches. 🫶🏾 #freetobe #authentic #freedomatwork

Throughout May, I'm going to be embarking on a daily journey to spotlight LGBTQIA+ Asian-American and Pacific Islander icons, shedding light on a rich tapestry of history often overlooked. Meet Terisa Siagatonu, a spoken word poet, educator, and LGBTQIA+ activist whose resonant voice echoes in both artistic expression and advocacy realms. Born and raised in California's Bay Area, Terisa draws deep inspiration from her Samoan heritage, infusing her work with themes of identity, culture, and social justice. As an openly queer woman, Terisa courageously navigates spaces where her intersecting identities are often marginalized, using her platform to illuminate the experiences of LGBTQIA+ individuals within Pacific Islander communities. Through her poetry and activism, Terisa amplifies the voices of those too often silenced, advocating for acceptance, visibility, and equality across marginalized communities. Her work stands as a beacon of empowerment, inspiring others to embrace their authentic selves and strive towards a more inclusive and just society. Terisa's unwavering dedication to both her art and activism continues to forge profound connections, bridging communities and igniting vital conversations about the intersections of identity, culture, and social change. Join in celebrating Terisa Siagatonu's remarkable journey, as she continues to elevate voices, challenge norms, and pave the way towards a brighter, more equitable future for all. #LGBTQIA+ #AsianAmerican #PacificIslander #LGBTQHistory #Diversity #Inclusion #Equality #LGBTQRights #AsianPride #PrideMonth #RepresentationMatters #History #Intersectionality #Awareness #Visibility

I recently started reading "Unapologetic: A Black, Queer, and Feminist Mandate for Radical Movements" by Charlene A. Carruthers and even though I'm still at the beginning, I'm already hooked. As we celebrate Pride Month, it's a perfect time to talk about intersectionality and intersectional allyship. Intersectionality, a term coined by Kimberlé Crenshaw, refers to the interconnected nature of social categorizations such as race, gender, and sexuality, which create overlapping and interdependent systems of discrimination or disadvantage. In simple terms, it means recognizing that our experiences and struggles are multifaceted and cannot be understood in isolation. Charlene A. Carruthers's book is a powerful call to action, urging us to embrace a more inclusive and intersectional approach to activism. It's about understanding that our fight for equality must consider all aspects of our identities. 💡As Audre Lorde once said: "There is no such thing as a single-issue struggle because we do not live single-issue lives." This resonates deeply, reminding us that in our efforts to support one another, we must acknowledge the complex realities people face. This Pride Month, let's commit to being intersectional allies. This means actively educating ourselves, listening to diverse voices, and advocating for inclusive practices in our communities and workplaces. Intersectional allyship is about understanding the bigger picture and fighting for justice for everyone. If you're looking for a thought-provoking read that challenges and inspires, I highly recommend picking up "Unapologetic." Let's continue to learn, grow, and advocate for a world where everyone is truly seen and heard. #PrideMonth #Intersectionality #IntersectionalAllyship #CharleneCarruthers #AudreLorde #BlackQueerFeminism #Unapologetic #Diversity #Inclusion #Equality