Every February in the United States of America is Black History Month. Now, with the erasure of a lot of Black spaces, memorials, and laws, Black History Month is even more important! Today, I will be dropping a couple of queer, Black Americans.

Just a few sentences about each woman above. Honestly, I could write a dissertation about Tracy Chapman. We will start with her. Like many Black kids who are artistically inclined (and Black kids, in general, Tracy was frequently bullied and had to experience racially motivated assaults She moved from Cleveland and went to Tufts University. While there, she busked around the area. She released her eponymous album gaining world wide fame for her writing and musicality. While Tracy makes it a point to not discuss her private life, Alice Walker has said he and Chapman were in a romantic relationship during the mid 90s (Wajid, Sara (December 15, 2006). “No retreat” Guardian

Brittney Griner is an unescapable name. First known as a WNBA (Women’s National Basketball Association) player (six-time All-Star), as well as an Olympian (three time Gold medalist), She was named in the 100 most influential people in 2023. In Feb of 2022, Griner was arrested on smuggling charges by Russian customs after they found cartridges containing less than a gram of medical hash oil. Shel pled guilty. In August she was sentenced to nine years in a Russian prison, but was later released in a prisoner exchange. Of course, I believe she was wrongfully detained and was used as an example. Griner came out as a lesbian in 2013. She has stated that she was bullied as a child. She is very passionate about working with children, and works to bring attention, particularly, to the bullying of queer children.

Oh yeah, we can’t forget the above picture, can we. Absolutely epic, and will go down as an all time great! For those not in the know, look up “Birmingham Chair 2023.” Enjoy!

Let’s tap in. Music on deck.

The incomparable Mac Miller. Visionary. Hip Hop Aficionado. Drug Addict..

The song above is all about drugs. It is about escaping reality, as is with most drug use. I am an addict, and know the feeling of this song. The understanding the need to break away but slipping back down the hole of addiction. Living longer than expected is a minor miracle.

Next up, above, is Taylor Swift. Before I hear any T Swizzy slander, just know I am not here for it. This song, Tolerate it, is strong in the force of my life. It is about a person who has this desire, this yearning, this drawing to someone who takes them for granted, merely tolerating them. I cannot think of anything worse than just being tolerated. Just drop me on the ground, and step all over me. uggghhhh!!!!

Damn, what else to say?? This is a timeless classic featuring D’Angelo and Ms. Lauryn Hill off of the amazing, unmatched The Miseducation Of Lauryn Hill. And even more powerful with the recent passing of D’Angelo. Beautiful voice, intertwined, circling each other then separating, hammond b3 in full effect. Super sexy, super silky, and a juicy piece music.

So,, what we hoped would not happen, has indeed happened. Kansas has rushed a bill through the house and senate, and now signed into law, effectively making citizens virtual bounty hunters. This is a bathroom bill that is nothing short of cruel, which will cause more problems for cis hetero women, as well as trans women, and nonbinary people.. People who turn in people using the bathroom considered to be of the wrong sex can actually get a reward. This is absolutely ludicrous. Read below for more information.

Queen Latifah has been in the spotlight as long as I can remember. I bought her album All Hail The Queen on vinyl. She has been in many tv shows and movies. Exercising her wonderful voice, she had a star turn in the musical, Chicago. Latifah has been an out and proud member of the LGBTQIA+ community. She and her partner, Eboni Nichols, have been together since 2013, providing a stable relationship for young lesbians, and all queer people to aspire to. Eboni was recently honored by Latifah for her involvement (Producer) in the Grammy awards.