To Be Young, Gifted, and Black

To Be Young, Gifted, and Black: A Celebration of Identity

As we honor Black History Month, it is essential to reflect on the incredible legacy of Black people within the queer community. For generations, Black LGBTQ+ individuals have been at the forefront of movements for justice, liberation, and equality. They have broken barriers, led revolutions, and redefined what it means to live boldly and authentically.

To be young, gifted, and Black is not just an idea—it is a truth that shapes every facet of who I am and what I strive to become. It is a declaration of pride, of purpose, and power. It means embracing the energy of youth, no matter my age, harnessing my unique gifts to uplift others, and celebrating the richness of my Black identity in all its forms.

These elements are not just aspects of my identity but the foundation of my journey. To feel young is to remain hopeful and open to possibility. To use my gifts is to honor the struggles of those who came before me by creating spaces for others to thrive. And to express my Blackness is to stand boldly in a world that often tries to silence it. Together, these pillars fuel my passion and guide my path forward.

Here’s how these elements shape my journey and our collective story as a community.

To be young…

Am I young? Sure, in many ways. Youth is a mindset, even when getting out of bed feels like a battle. But keeping our minds sharp and spirits alive is essential. Throughout history, young Black queer leaders have inspired progress. From the Stonewall Riots to contemporary movements for justice, the energy and vision of youth have driven us forward. As Black and Queer people, we have a responsibility—to ourselves and our community—to create a better world for the young people coming up after us.

Our Black youth need role models and spaces where they feel seen, loved, and celebrated. The work we do today is a bridge to the future they deserve. Let’s play our part in nurturing their growth and empowering their potential.

To be gifted..

I’ve often reflected on the gift of my position—the privilege of being in a place where I can make decisions that create opportunities for others. It’s a gift I do not take lightly. Black queer individuals throughout history have shared their gifts with the world—from James Baldwin’s profound words to Audre Lorde’s unapologetic truths to the creative brilliance of artists like Alvin Ailey and Marsha P. Johnson’s fearless activism. These gifts have not only shaped culture but have also inspired generations.

To be gifted is to recognize that our talents and opportunities come with a responsibility to uplift others. The gift keeps giving—and I sincerely hope that others will take this legacy and pay it forward. We can change the systems that once tried to contain us. That’s the beauty of our community: we are builders, creators, and visionaries.

To be Black..

But of all the things I treasure most, my Blackness is my greatest quality. It is my source of strength and joy, the lens through which I experience the world. It reminds me of the legacy of those who came before me—the inventors, the artists, the leaders, the dreamers—who carved a path so I could stand tall in my truth today. My Blackness is not separate from my queerness; they are intertwined, inseparable.

Black queer individuals have always played pivotal roles in shaping history—from organizing marches to creating art that sparks revolutions. Together, they make me whole. And they remind me that there is no more incredible honor than being able to show up in the world as my entire, unapologetic self.

Now, more than ever, it is vital to focus on the trueness of our Black identity. To embrace it fully. To live it boldly. Our history as Black queer people is a testament to the power of authenticity, and our future depends on us carrying that legacy forward. The world needs to see that being Young, Gifted, and Black is a gift that brings light, love, and change to the world around us.

As we celebrate Black History Month, let us reflect on the past and look toward the future. Let us honor the beauty of our intersecting identities and the strength we carry in our hearts. And let us commit to building a world where Blackness, queerness, and all forms of identity are celebrated as the gifts they are.

 

Sent in solidarity and pride,

Danté R.H. Reda  he/him

The LOFT: Chief Operating Officer