Joyous KuchuQwanzaa!

A Black Gay Christmas?

December 23, 2011

Marcus KQ Facts african-american, bisesual, black, gay, holidays, kq, kuchuqwanzaa, kwanzaa, lesbian, lgbt, season, transgender Leave a comment

KuchuQwanzaa (KQ) is a 7-day celebration and expression of African-American LGBT cultural principles, values, and ideals. KuchuQwanzaa is a time to commemorate our rich history and societal contributions, as well as to observe our heritage and fellowship together in love and support within our communities. KuchuQwanzaa is in large part based on the traditional Kwanzaa holiday, but seeks to infuse queer ideology, principles, and values so as to establish a space for African-American LGBT folks to celebrate our unique culture, history, and contributions. In the spirit of inclusivity, we invite anyone who shares the core principles of KuchuQwanzaa to celebrate with us.

Like traditional Kwanzaa, Kuchu-Qwanzaa is observed from December 26th to January 1st each year, and features activities such as candle-lighting and pouring of libations, and culminating in a feast and gift giving.

KQ was founded in 2009 as a response to the isolation traditional holidays presented for LBGT people and color. Kwanzaa was a great starting point for creating the holiday, however this holiday specifically incorporates the unique gifts and contributions of those in the LGBT communities.

KQ IS NOT a religious holiday and is not intended to replace or change current holiday practices but serves as a supplement or alternative to speak to the needs of Black LGBT communities and their allies.

Beyond the Club: Where are all the Black LGBT?

May 5, 2011

Marcus Ancestors ancestors, black, club, lgbt, qpoc Leave a comment

Hello Community,

It has been a while since our last post. I hope you all are fulfilling your goals from KuchuQwanzaa and constantly updating them to keep yourself and each other accountable for next year’s festivities. Louis and I recently had a conversation about where all the influential queer people of color have gone. The lack of institutions for us and by us in addition to the “brain drain” within our communities have left our communities in a state of flatline. Our Zawadi (gifts) are no longer as plentiful as they once were and we have concluded it is because there is a disconnect in today’s community.

Many of today’s young LGBT do not know the history and contributions of our ancestors. Therefore, we have decided to post information via this blog to share our knowledge about our ancestors. These in-depth posts will focus on at least one individual per week (perhaps a couple per week) in an attempt to help educate, inform, and delight our generation.

Please make sure you share and add to the conversation. This is not intended to be the end all be all resource but more of a forum to dialogue about the great contributions of our communities.