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Who was Bayard Rustin? Early Life Advisor to Dr. King Struggles with Sexuality Death and Legacy Who was Bayard Rustin? Bayard Rustin played a pivotal advising role in the Civil Rights Movement (Image Source: Library of Congress) Bayard Rustin was an American civil rights activist who fought alongside Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. throughout the mid-1960s. Rustin committed himself to a life of non-violence and projected these values when fighting for rights. Bayard Rustin organized and initiated the Freedom Rides and the March on Washington, where he stood beside Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. as he gave his influential "I Have a Dream" speech. Rustin fought for the rights of others while battling discrimination of his own as he was a Black gay male. Early Life Bayard Rustin was raised into a non-violent lifestyle (Image Source: Library of Congress) Bayard Rustin was born in Pennsylvania in 1912 and raised by his two grandparents alongside his 11 other siblings. Rustin’s grandmother was a part of the NAACP (National Association for the Advancement of Colored People), exposing Rustin to many prominent Black leaders at the time, such as W.E.B Dubois. Rustin’s grandparents raised the children in a Quaker household, which influenced his nonviolent ways into adulthood. Rustin attended the City College of New York, where he was involved in many racial justice organizations, such as the Congress of Racial Equality (CORE). It was during his time at this college that he was chosen as a youth organizer for the March on Washington. Advisor to Dr. King Civil rights organizer Bayard Rustin, left, with Martin Luther King Jr. Rustin was arrested on a “morals charge” in Pasadena in 1953.(Images: Courtesy of the estate of Bayard Rustin/Monroe Frederick) Rustin first started his relationship with Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. during the Montgomery Bus Boycott. Having formed a mutual respect, Rustin began teaching Dr. King his nonviolent ways. He used his knowledge from studying the Gandhian lifestyle to educate Dr. King on the value of nonviolent approaches and tactics. Bayard played a large role in bringing Black leaders from the South together to become a united group through the Southern Christian Leadership Conference (SCLS), and he was also instrumental in drafting “Stride Toward Freedom,” the name of Dr.King's memoir. Struggles with Sexuality In 1953, when homosexuality was still rampantly criminalized throughout the United States, Bayard Rustin was arrested for committing a homosexual act. His sexuality was outed to the public as a crime, leading some of his fellow Civil Rights leaders to criticize his identity. Since Bayard's sexuality was now public knowledge, many individuals and politicians who opposed Rustin used this as a point of attack to demean his character. For this reason, Rustin often avoided public speaking or being the face of movements, instead taking an advising role to avoid such attacks. Death and Legacy Bayard Rustin, deputy director, and Cleveland Robinson, chairman of Administrative Committee, March on Washington. (Image Source: World Telegram & Sun photo. Prints and Photographs Division/Orlando Fernandez) One late night in 1987, Bayard Rustin was admitted to the hospital. He was diagnosed with peritonitis and a perforated appendix, which was giving him severe abdominal pain. He underwent surgery, but due to his history of heart issues, he went into cardiac arrest on the operating table and died shortly after. Bayard's legacy lived on by his survivors as a man who spent his life fighting for civil rights and advising many prominent leaders. It was after his death that he was given the name “Mr. March on Washington” by fellow Civil Rights leader A. Philip Randolph. References Bayard Rustin: A Gay Man in the Civil Rights Movement. (2021, February 5). Black History Month 2021. https://www.blackhistorymonth.org.uk/article/section/bhm-heroes/bayard-rustin-gay-man-in-the-civil-rights-movement/#:~:text=In%20the%20pacifist%20Fellowship%20of,racial%20segregation%20on%20interstate%20busing Bayard Rustin Is Dead at 75; Pacifist and a Rights Activist (Published 1987). (2021). The New York Times . https://www.nytimes.com/1987/08/25/obituaries/bayard-rustin-is-dead-at-75-pacifist-and-a-rights-activist.html Rustin, Bayard . (2017, May 31). The Martin Luther King, Jr., Research and Education Institute. https://kinginstitute.stanford.edu/encyclopedia/rustin-bayard

Who was Malcolm X? Early Life Sexuality Civil Rights Movement Death and Legacy Who was Malcolm X? Malcolm X in 1964: (Image Source: Library of Congress) Malcolm X was an American Muslim minister who became popular during the civil rights movement in the 1960s for his “By all means necessary” approach to gaining freedom and justice for African Americans. After facing many hardships and spending years in prison, Malcolm X turned his life around upon converting to Islam and began advocating for black unity and the use of self-defense to achieve justice for African Americans once he regained his freedom. He founded the Organization of Afro-American Unity to further fight for his ideas that racism was the greatest enemy of African Americans. Early Life Malcolm X's 1944 mugshot. (Image Source: Wikimedia Commons) Malcolm X was born in 1925 in Omaha, Nebraska, an area with intense discrimination and violence against Black people during that time. He was no stranger to hardship, with his father being murdered in 1931 and his mother being institutionalized in 1939. After living with a white adoptive family and facing adversity at school due to his race, Malcolm moved in with his sister in Boston. There, he saw differing living conditions between middle-class and lower-class black people and worked as an intermediary for drugs, alcohol, and prostitution from age 16. Upon moving to New York later on, Malcolm started selling and doing drugs and betting, and was eventually arrested when he moved back to Boston. Malcolm’s life transformed in prison, starting with his conversion to Islam under the Nation of Islam, which he left a few years after joining. After being released on parole and meeting the Nation of Islam’s leader, Elijah Muhammad, he started his advocacy for black unity and militancy, for which he became famous. Sexuality Malcolm X didn’t outwardly identify as or come out as bisexual in his lifetime; the little known about his identity as a bisexual man is in his work servicing men and from third-person accounts. From age 20, Malcolm worked servicing rich white men for pay, which he is said to have bragged about and enjoyed to an extent. According to a past schoolmate, Malcolm used to experiment with other boys when he was young and boasted about these experiences, and also often spent nights with a “gay transvestite named Willie Mae.” Role in the Civil Rights Movement Malcolm X speaking to members of the African-American Students Foundation in 1959. (Image Source: Wikimedia Commons) As an important influence during the Civil Rights Movement in the 1960s, Malcolm’s approaches to achieving justice for African Americans differed from the more common pacifist approaches proposed by others like Martin Luther King Jr. However, he fought for a common goal of ending racism and fighting for justice for African Americans. He further fought to make a difference by creating the Organization of Afro-American Unity, which called for a connection between African Americans and African heritage and promoted the self-determination of African Americans. His organization also focused greatly on education to counteract the still-present effects of slavery. Death and Legacy Malcolm X with Martin Luther King Jr. (Image Source: Marion S. Trikosko, United States Library of Congress's Prints and Photographs division) On February 21, 1965, Malcolm X was lecturing at Harlem’s Audubon Ballroom about his organization after weeks of attempts to end his life by whom he suspected were members of the Nation of Islam. While on stage, he was shot by three men whose identities have been controversial since the assassination. Although he was taken to the hospital, the dozen or so bullets caused his heart to fail several times until he was eventually declared dead. His legacy and admiration for him have grown since his assassination because of his passion for fighting oppression and willingness to fight for the freedom of African-Americans through any means necessary. Since his assassination and the release of his autobiography, he gained more respect than he had during his time alive, and his ideas are still relevant to this day. References Burnett, L. (2019, August 1). Organization of AFRO-AMERICAN unity (OAAU) 1965 . https://www.blackpast.org/african-american-history/organization-afro-american-unity-oaau-1965/. Malcolm X Assassinated . (2009, November 24). https://www.history.com/this-day-in-history/malcolm-x-assassinated . Ott, T. (2021, January 13). The assassination of Malcolm X . https://www.biography.com/news/malcolm-x-assassination . Szymanski, M. (2015, March 1). Malcolm X's BISEXUALITY . https://bi.org/en/articles/malcolm-xs-bisexuality . Worland, J. (2015, February 20). Malcolm X assassination ANNIVERSARY: His legacy after 50 years . https://time.com/3715164/50-years-malcolm-x/ . X., M., Haley, A., Shabazz, A., Handler, M. S., & Davis, O. (2015). The Autobiography of Malcolm X . Ballantine Books.

What is Racism? Racism in America Against: Indigenous Tribes Asian Americans Black Americans Hispanic Americans Fighting Racism Racism can be defined in a variety of ways relating to both individual actions and societal institutions. Merriam-Webster defines racism as  “a belief that race  is a fundamental determinant  of human traits and capacities and that racial differences produce an inherent superiority of a particular race, and the behaviors and attitudes that foster this belief.”  However, these definitions refer to racism as a racial attitude. Racism can also be defined in a systemic sense. Two such examples are the excerpts following which define systemic racism as  “the systemic  oppression of a racial group to the social, economic, and political advantage of another”  and “a political or social system founded on racism and designed to execute its principles.”  As seen, the term racism does not simply fall under one definition or one circumstance. Instead, it is a multifaceted term to describe the vast experiences of minority groups facing inequality due to their racial identity. History of Racism in America Racism has been present in society from the start, and it is still deeply rooted in our society today. In 1607, white British colonizers came over to America, quickly dominated, and took over the land. From that moment, rhetoric claiming white individuals as the “superior” race spread and was used to tragically oppress others. Here are examples of the roots of racist attitudes towards minority groups, where they stem from, and how they became widespread: Indigenous Tribes The cultural genocide of indigenous tribes: Colonizers forced the children into schools where they learned about Christianity and European values. They were stripped of their tribal clothing and were only allowed to speak English. The education system greatly idolizes the relation between the Natives and Colonizers as one of friendship, however the Europeans took advantage of their power to suppress the indigenous tribes. Before the British colonized the Americas, Indigenous tribes lived peacefully on the land in harmony with their tribes and nature. Their sacred customs and beliefs were practiced and displayed. However, white colonizers saw strong Indigenous cultural identity as a threat to their own power and success and responded with violence. Colonizers stole their lands and forced Indigenous people into smaller and smaller reservation areas that were insufficient for survival and hindered the continuance of their tribal practices. Over time, they continued to whittle down the land belonging to Indigenous groups leaving them with even less land and resources. As Europeans continued to take over new land and gain power, they resorted to genocide to tragically kill an estimated 8 million Indigenous people. Many of these deaths occurred through the spread of European disease to which the Indigenous people had no immunity. Asian Americans Throughout the early 1940’s, 10 Japanese Internment Camps were opened. They were located in California, Arizona, Utah, Arkansas, Wyoming, and Colorado. Nearly 120,000 Japanese Americans, some being second or third generation, were gathered up and placed into these camps by the government as a means to prevent espionage during World War II. Throughout America’s history, Asian Americans have faced racism, especially in terms of immigration. In the 19th century, the United States promoted a “white-only” immigration policy. Asian Americans were seen as dirty and uncivilized to white Americans. Along with the promulgation of these xenophobic notions came the passing of the Chinese Exclusion Act, which prohibited the immigration of Chinese individuals. This was the first race-based act of immigration legislation to exist in the Americas.  During World War II, those of Japanese descent faced mass incarceration into internment camps under Franklin Roosevelt's executive order due to unsupported suspicions of espionage for the enemy following the bombing of Pearl Harbor. Racism against Asian Americans was once again highlighted in 2020 with the Covid-19 outbreak. Many faced discrimination and prejudice due to the virus having origins in China, despite the fact that AAPI individuals do not have any responsibility for the tragic illness. Black Americans In the Supreme Court case, Plessy v Ferguson, the Supreme Court determined that the practice of “separate but equal” was constitutional as segregation alone did not violate the constitution. However, later on, the case of Brown v Board of Education abolished this practice when the Supreme Court ruled that segregation in schools was unconstitutional. (Library of Congress) The history of racism towards Black individuals in America began in 1619 with the start of the slave trade. Nearly 7 million Africans were enslaved and sent to America. White colonizers took advantage of African Americans and used them as a source of free labor. They would work the slaves in horrible conditions and provide severe consequences if they stepped out of line. Like what was done to the Indigenous people, slave owners also stripped African slaves of their culture and heritage by prohibiting communication and the use of their native languages. They also kept them in captivity by prohibiting slaves from learning to read or write which made escaping nearly impossible. This serves as one of the first examples of systemic discrimination that kept oppressed groups in a subordinate position through unequal accessibility. Following the American Revolution, Black Americans still faced great discrimination and segregation as the White majority did not accept them as members of their society. Every resource, from schools to water fountains, was segregated, reinforcing the American idea that White Americans were superior to Black Americans. It was during this time the discriminatory dictum “separate but equal” was coined. Despite the inclusion of the word “equal”, resources Black individuals received were nowhere near equal to those of White individuals. For example, they received used schoolbooks and had no funding. Fast forward to present-day America and we still see racism against the Black population through police brutality and systemic oppression. Black individuals are nearly three times more likely to be killed by a police officer than white people. This is due to systematic prejudice within the police force, as well as society, that still views Black individuals as being inherently more violent without any evidence. Hispanic Americans Hispanic Americans, though not often at the forefront of conversations surrounding racism, still faced discrimination in the U.S. due to their roots. Anti-Hispanic attitudes began to take hold in the mid-to-late 1800s. Scholars often point the beginnings of these oppressive beliefs to the Mexican-American war that provided the U.S. 55% of the Mexican territory. This was a tumultuous time for many Mexican individuals whose identity was suddenly thrown into uncertainty as they were no longer considered citizens of Mexico and instead were citizens of the U.S. Pictured is Olvera street, a Mexican market popular during the early 1900s. This market served as the location for a raid in which around 400 people were arrested and deported to Mexico. (Wikimedia Commons) As time passed and political contention increased in Mexican politics, many Mexican citizens found themselves emigrating to the U.S., where attitudes regarded Mexican Americans as “lazy, stupid, and undeserving”. It’s because of these attitudes that many Americans began to have deep-rooted anti-Hispanic beliefs, and some even turned to mob violence. This outbreak of mob violence became widespread in the late 1800s and early 1900s targeting Mexican Americans from all gender and age groups.  The great depression became a time of extreme anti-Hispanic beliefs. As unemployment rates increased, the belief that those of Hispanic backgrounds were “stealing jobs” became prominent. States began to pass immigration legislation targeting Hispanic individuals. One such example is Colorado, which forced anyone who spoke Spanish or even “looked” Hispanic to leave. Fighting Racism Fighting against racism is a difficult uphill battle as it is deeply rooted in our society. However, we have seen a general increase in tolerability and equality, especially with younger generations fighting for social change. Here are some important steps individuals can take to reshape how our society views other races: Education . Learning about other races and cultures and the history of their fight against racism can promote acceptance. Acceptance can also be promoted by studying and conversing about how discriminatory notions took hold and became widespread.  Recognizing and accepting one's privilege and utilizing that privilege to promote the voices and ideas of oppressed populations. This doesn’t only apply to White people. Colorism is also a problem in race relations, and it’s imperative we come to understand our conceptions of skin tone and the effect they have on perceptions. Find your own implicit biases . While we may not initially realize some of the prejudices we hold, by acknowledging them rather than denying them, we can actively work to reduce them.  Being antiracist through actions. Many of us are likely to come across racist statements at some point, and it’s important to not ignore these statements but to speak about them. Talk about the negative effects they have and how they proliferate into acts of extreme xenophobia. Racist statements are breeding grounds for extremism, so we must stop the problem at the root. Fighting against racism may be a new and uncomfortable topic that many are just now facing, but it is important to remember that some people have been directly facing the consequences of racism for centuries, and it will take not only personal but also great systemic changes in order to overcome racism in America. References Blakemore, E. (2017, September 27). The long history of anti‑Latino Discrimination in America . History. https://www.history.com/news/the-brutal-history-of-anti-latino-discrimination-in-america Christina Marie Noel. (2020, June 3). 4 Steps That I and Other White People Can Take to Fight Racism . Medium; B The Change. https://bthechange.com/4-steps-we-can-take-as-white-people-to-fight-racism-a582e826eb92 History.com Editors. (2018, November 16). Black History Milestones: Timeline . HISTORY; HISTORY. https://www.history.com/topics/black-history/black-history-milestones Merriam-Webster Dictionary . (2019). Merriam-Webster.com. https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/racism PBS NewsHour. (2020, April 9). The long history of racism against Asian Americans in the U.S. PBS NewsHour. https://www.pbs.org/newshour/nation/the-long-history-of-racism-against-asian-americans-in-the-u-s The Legacy of Injustices Against Native Americans - NETWORK Advocates . (2019, March 29). NETWORK Advocates. https://networkadvocates.org/recommittoracialjustice/legacy/

What is Colorism? Colorism vs. Racism Harmful Effects Who is Impacted? Combating Colorism Conclusion What is Colorism? Colorism is the discrimination or prejudice against people of color that typically occurs amongst people of the same racial or ethnic group. Colorism, also known as shadeism, causes members of the same race to be treated differently due to social implications and cultural meanings attached to darker skin tones. Colorism vs. Racism Colorism pertains to prejudiced attitudes and discriminatory acts against people based on their skin tone. Racism relates to prejudiced attitudes and discriminatory actions against people based on their perceived or actual race. People of the same race can have different skin tones, while people of other races could have the same skin tone. In the case of colorism, two people of the same race but utterly different skin tones are treated differently. With racism, two people of varying races but identical skin color are treated differently. Harmful Effects Countless research has shown that across ethnic and racial groups, light-skinned people of color have an advantage over darker-skinned people of color. Even when including background variables such as socioeconomic status and parental dynamics, colorism is primarily related to institutional racism across the USA and could not exist without it. Colorism negatively impacts one’s self-esteem, beauty standards, and relationships. Usually, when faced with racism, people of color can turn to their communities for support, but that is not necessarily the case with colorism. People subjected to colorism may experience self-hatred related to the negative attention they receive for having a darker skin tone. Who is Impacted? Colorism does not just affect the Black community but exists and is an issue within all communities of color. When colorism is discussed, it is often referred to as being an issue only within the black community; however, colorism does affect all people of color. Colorism is not something that white people experience themselves, but it is something that white people utilize to discriminate against people of color. In mainstream media, colorism is rarely discussed. However, when colorism is mentioned, it is often in terms of “black-on-black” discrimination. This is not the only case of colorism. White people discriminate against people of color based on their skin tone, even if someone is not outright saying it. For example, the lack of diverse representation in the entertainment industry and adequate makeup palette shades are both examples of colorism in action. Combating Colorism Colorism, similar to racism, can be combated with the conscious recognition of biases that we may have towards lighter skin tones. In the case of colorism, we must not judge people of color based on their skin tone’s lightness. Image Source: Unsplash Combatting colorism may seem simple, but it is not. Of course, we should all accept people of any race regardless of their skin tone. It seems evident that people should not be judged on their race or skin tone but on their character’s content. However, colorism is already integrated within multiple societies all over the world. An advertisement displaying an Indian woman using and promoting skin-lightening products. (Image Source: Neutrogena) Skin-Lightening For example, within Bollywood in India, it is common to use skin-lightening products to acquire the generally more "desired" skin tone. These skin-lightening products make up a multi-billion dollar industry within India. To combat colorism, we need to celebrate all races, regardless of skin tone, and stop supporting companies that sell pro-colorism products. Conclusion We must not elevate people because they have a lighter skin tone. It is important to remember that white people, or people of color with lighter skin tones, can still have negative characters. Judging people based on the color of their skin creates a detriment to people of color as a whole. References colorism . (n.d.). The Merriam-Webster.Com Dictionary. https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/colorism Grant, C. S. G. (2020, November 21). What Is Colorism? Verywell Mind. https://www.verywellmind.com/what-is-colorism-5077380 Webb, S. L. (2020, February 29). Colorism vs. Racism: What’s the Difference? Colorism Healing. https://colorismhealing.com/colorism-and-racism/ Webb, S. L. (2013, September 13). Colorism - NCCJ . ColorismHealing. https://www.nccj.org/colorism-0 Hunter, M. H. (n.d.). The consequences of colorism. APA PsycNet. https://psycnet.apa.org/record/2012-27188-016 Nittle, N. K. N. (2021, March 21). The Harmful Effects of Colorism . ThoughtCo. https://www.thoughtco.com/the-effects-of-colorism-2834962 Thelwell, K. (2020, October 2). Poverty and Colorism in India . The Borgen Project. https://borgenproject.org/colorism-in-india/ Hannon, L. (2015). White Colorism. Social Currents , 2 (1), 13–21. https://doi.org/10.1177/2329496514558628

What is the School To Prison Pipeline? Historical Context The Devastating Results Case Studies Criminology Impact on Students Abuse of Power Labor Exploitation Conclusion What is the School To Prison Pipeline? The School To Prison Pipeline. It’s a charming little name hiding a deep, dark secret. Racial justice and the myriad of issues surrounding our understanding and conception of race in this country have been at the forefront of our news cycles for years now. The roots of what would eventually become known as the School To Prison Pipeline were planted in the 1970s. Image Source: Unsplash Historical Context Few students (less than four percent in 1973) were sent to out-of-school home suspension, though increasing awareness or fear of crime and violence in schools was growing. This tension applied pressure to state politicians and school districts to adopt policies that necessitated the suspension of students who had a perceived violation of proper conduct. In 1994, the Gun-Free Schools Act was passed, thus striking into law a year-long suspension out of school for any student who was caught bearing a weapon in school. It was called ‘zero-tolerance.’ The Devastating Results Zero-tolerance policies directly resulted in not only a doubling of suspensions since the 1970s, but even downright expulsion. Proponents of these policies may argue this is a good thing—we have to protect our children, right? Critics would say back, however, that these policies are broad, subject to interpretation, and disproportionately affect Black, low-income, and other minority students. Case Studies In Maryland, 2013: A seven-year-old boy was suspended after he chewed a PopTart pastry into a gun shape and aimed the pastry at a friend, apparently endangering his life by way of sugar paste. In 2014, an Ohio boy in the fifth grade was suspended after he pushed his fingers together in the shape of a gun and pretended to shoot one of his classmates. Criminology Part of the problem lies in a classic criminological theory known as ‘the broken windows theory.’ The basic idea is as follows. Neighborhoods with broken windows, loitering, prostitution, etc., are neighborhoods that are uncared for and in a state of decay. Small crimes, such as sex work, smoking marijuana, or other minor offenses, should be the focus of police work, which, in theory, will prevent larger crimes. It was meant to empower local communities, allow the public to take back their spaces, and have police officers prevent major crimes by cracking down on smaller ones. Unfortunately, theory is only ever as good as results. Impact on Students Image Source: Unsplash Though the ‘Broken Windows’ theory was designed to be applied on a larger scale to neighborhoods and communities, its basic principles were being utilized in an already strained and racially separated system: public school. Racial disparities in things like access to education, access to services, and even quality of education had been evident for all to see for decades by this time, but now the problem was compounded. Zero-tolerance policies in schools and suspensions from education disproportionately targeted lower-class and minority school systems. Child ‘offenders’ are routinely taken out of classes for minor infractions or disorderly conduct and transported by police to detention facilities. Lining the hallways of schools and even stationed in classrooms, police officers with guns on their hips observe children wearing Mario-themed backpacks or with Hello Kitty notebooks tucked under their arms as they walk by. Rather than serving as protection, these officers are here to ensure order is maintained and damned be the consequences for the children they are ostensibly there to protect. Abuse of Power In Louisiana, according to Learning for Justice, a complaint was filed with the United States Department of Justice, noting, “school officials have given armed police ‘unfettered authority to stop, frisk, detain, question, search and arrest schoolchildren on and off school grounds.’” In treating children like criminals regardless of whether they have committed an offense or not, we teach them that they are only as good as the system that tells them so. When we push children out of school for minor infractions- some as innocent as forgetting pencils- they end up in the prison system years later as actual criminals. Labor Exploitation This is profitable for states, as the private prison system has boomed in recent decades, making a tidy profit off the labor of incarcerated individuals. Not all of these hardened criminals are adults, either. A healthy number of these so-called ‘crooks’ are children. As Tracie R. Porter from the Arkansas Law Review points out, “‘...The industry of kids-for-cash became so pervasive that [d]etention center workers were told in advance how many juveniles to expect at the end of each day—even before hearings to determine their innocence or guilt.’ Children appeared before the judges following minor crimes such as mocking an assistant principal on a social media page...and stealing DVDs from Wal-Mart.” The need for cheap labor and shrinking government budgets in the face of recessions, pandemics, or even shifts in public attitude means that individuals in prison systems are being used, essentially, as slave labor for as long as their term limits apply. Students being expelled or downright arrested in school equals free labor. Once they are released from whatever minor offense they caused, it is more likely that they will re-offend and end up back in prison than not. Conclusion The Bureau of Justice’s sobering statistics states that two-thirds of released prisoners are arrested again within three years. Data from 2015, according to the Sentencing Project, shows that black students are five times more likely than white students to be incarcerated. With the ever-present tension of racism in our nation, the way we dehumanize black bodies, the way we heavily police neighborhoods and school systems with black students, is it any wonder the outcome for these kids is less than stellar? We are funneling children into a get-rich-quick scheme and pretending that it is somehow in their best interest. Broken windows may be one thing, but we are breaking people.

What is the Model Minority Myth? History Harming Civil Rights School and Education Colorism Conclusion What is the Model Minority Myth? The model minority myth is the inaccurate idea that Asian Americans possess innate qualities and behaviors that make them academically superior to other minority groups. Image Source: Unsplash This includes harmful stereotypes like the belief that Asian people are the “unproblematic” minority group or inherently better at math and science, which introduces harmful expectations and undervalues their achievements. History When The 1965 Immigration and Naturalization Act was passed, the laws for immigration changed significantly. Previously, many opportunities for immigration from Asia to the Americas were limited due to various federal interventions such as the Chinese Exclusion Act (1882-1943) and the Immigration Act of 1917. This new 1965 bill targeted highly skilled workers from all over and removed racial barriers to immigrating to the U.S. The people emigrating (leaving their country) from various parts of Asia were primarily middle to upper-class due to the cost of travel and the skills necessary for the high-paying jobs available in America. This led to the white majority in America generalizing individuals of varying Asian descents as the "model” minority group. They were often highly educated and successful, which allowed them to easily assimilate into American society. These stereotypes created a disparity between Asian immigrants and immigrants of other racial groups who were still viewed as poor, uneducated, and a threat to the American way of life. Harming Civil Rights Image Source: Unsplash On the surface, it can seem like the model minority myth is a positive viewpoint, but it works to divide Asian Americans from other minority groups and separate their oppression and struggles from those of other racial minorities in America. This is, after all, where the term’s roots are: attempting to separate Asian Americans from the Civil Rights Movement. The seemingly positive view of Asian Americans stemmed out of white-spurred racism and violence towards African Americans. It was spread after two major victories for the Civil Rights Movement—the 1964 Civil Rights Act and the 1965 Voting Rights Act. A desired outcome of popularizing this myth was to dehumanize BIPOC further and attempt to invalidate their struggles. By pitting African Americans and Asian Americans against each other, the pressure is taken off white America to change. The model minority myth creates a false narrative that Asian Americans have “overcome” racism and poses the question of why BIPOC and Latinx communities haven’t “been able to.” In reality, the greater statistical success of Asian Americans is due in part to greater declines in labor market discrimination compared to other minority groups. This myth works to falsely portray the very nature of oppression and racism as something to overcome rather than dismantle. This would allow white supremacist ideals to remain as the systematically upheld values and thoughts. It also tries to delegitimize programs and policies that try to oppose these forces, like affirmative action. By categorizing Asian Americans as the “model” minority group, their own struggles with racism are historically downplayed and overlooked, too. School and Education As a result of this myth, Asian Americans are often assumed to be smart and, therefore, overlooked for help. The consequent effects include feeling pressure to perform better academically, internalizing stereotypes, and hesitating to speak up or ask for help. These can lead to an academic downfall and even mental health issues for Asian American students. This myth also ignores the variety of cultures and ethnic groups within the broad grouping “Asian American” and the unique array of struggles within each. In regards to education, not all sub-groups within the broad category statistically perform the same. Those who tend to suffer the most academically are Southeast Asian and Pacific Islander students, such as the Vietnamese, Laotian, Hmong, Tongans, and Native Hawaiians. Their dropout rates, for high school and college, are among the highest of any group. However, those dropout statistics are often ignored or viewed as the anomaly, even sometimes by their families, because of the assumption that Asian Americans are academically successful regardless of the circumstances. Colorism Colorism is the differential treatment of people within a racial group based on skin tone, with preference shown towards those with lighter skin. This discrimination is done both intentionally and unintentionally by people within and outside of that group. In this case, there is discrimination towards Southeast Asian Americans because of their darker skin tones. It also ignores the fact that immigration experiences between each sub-group are different. Some came to America by choice, some came to escape war, and some came to find job opportunities. These various circumstances affect how much a family can help their children succeed with their education and – in consequence – their dropout rates. Educators and institutions often assume that Asian American students receive plenty of help from their families, but that may not be the case if they didn't have the privilege of being educated or coming from a country that wasn't suffering from high rates of poverty. Conclusion Overall, the model minority myth is a topic that needs to be acknowledged and worked on more, especially in schools. Educators, policymakers, journalists, and others should bring visibility to the problems created by this myth and call for remedies. It’s also important to hold the white majority accountable for the dangerous stereotypes that they have created in order to further subjugate the minority and distract from the fact that they benefit from the disarray that it causes amongst various racial groups. References Chow, G. W. (2011, Winter). The Model Minority Myth. Independent School. Retrieved April 13, 2021, from https://www.nais.org/magazine/independent-school/winter-2011/the-model-minority-myth/ Chanbonpin, K. D. (2015). Between Black and White: The Coloring of Asian Americans. Washington University Global Studies Law Review, 14(4). https://openscholarship.wustl.edu/law_globalstudies/vol14/iss4/10 Museus, S. D. (2008). The model minority and the inferior minority myths: Understanding stereotypes and their implications for student learning. About Campus, 13(3), 2-8. doi:10.1002/abc.252 Wing, Jean. (Nov. 2007). Beyond Black and White: The Model Minority Myth and the Invisibility of Asian American Students. Urban Review, vol. 39, no. 4, pp. 455-487. Image 1: Beck, C. & NPR. (2017, April 19). [Artist Depiction of what it is to be labeled a “model minority”]. NPR. https://www.npr.org/sections/codeswitch/2017/04/19/524571669/model-minority-myth-again-used-as-a-racial-wedge-between-asians-and-blacks Image 2: Dipasupil, D. & Getty Images File. (2021). [Protesters at The End the Violence Towards Asians rally in New York]. NBC News. https://www.nbcnews.com/news/nbcblk/how-black-people-can-be-strong-allies-asian-americans-right-n1260988 Image 3: Sosa, E. & Caltech Letters. (2021). [Art expressing the diversity of Asian Americans]. Caltech Letters. https://caltechletters.org/viewpoints/model-minority-myth

[Content Warning: Mention of suicide and self-harm statistics in regards to racial discrimination.] Loneliness and Alienation The Statistics Why AAPI Mental Health Isn’t Taken Seriously Coping and Resources Conclusion Loneliness and Alienation Asian-American/Pacific Islander person staring somberly outside a window. (Image Source: Photo by Nate Neelson  on Unsplash ) AAPI Youth have struggled to grapple with their identities. The vicious pressure at a young age to assimilate with “regular society” while also living up to familial expectations and tradition forces them to overextend themselves. It does not help that racial discrimination from peers and strangers is common, as AAPI fall victim to the assumption that they are foreign (despite not always being foreign-born) and therefore inferior based off their race. Unfortunately, these situations that are all-too-familiar can lead to a feeling of alienation and the need to internalize your true identity, feelings, and aspirations. The same thing can be said for LGBTQ+ Youth who are Asian American/Pacific Islanders, and add to that profound sense of isolation. The Statistics The Trevor Project conducted a study which reported on AAPI LGBTQ+ Youth in connection with Mental Health. The report includes that self-harm is reported by 55% of AAPI LGBTQ+ Youth, with rates being higher among ones who identify as transgender/non-binary or are Pacific Islanders/Native Hawaiians. It is also said that overall, 40% of AAPI LGBTQ+ Youth have “seriously considered suicide in the past year,” with a higher rate among Pacific Islanders/Native Hawaiians, Korean-Americans, and Filipino-Americans in the 40-49% range. The National Alliance on Mental Illness says that “AAPI have the lowest [care-seeking] rate out of any racial/ethnic group,” bringing to attention the unfortunate racial disparity when it comes to mental health services of people of color and the stress of having to prove oneself constantly due to systemic racism, stereotypes like the model minority myth, and family expectations. ​ Model Minority Myth The model minority myth is the inaccurate idea that Asian Americans possess innate qualities and behaviors which make them academically superior to other minority groups... [Read More] Why AAPI Mental Health Isn’t Taken Seriously (And Why You Should Care) Familial Expectations AAPI Culture is incredibly diverse, so values highly differ among a mosaic of lifestyles. However, it is not uncommon for the more rigid, family-oriented cultures among them to emphasize a heteronormative standard; hence a lot of queer relationships or non-conformity is often shunned. AAPI might often feel the need to appeal to their family’s traditional way of life, having to choose between shameless individuality in exchange for being “invisible” or acceptance from the world in exchange for self-love/actualization. According to an article from the American Psychological Association: “Twenty-four participants described experiences of conflict with their AA families regarding their sexual orientation, coming out, and/or relationships. The level of participants’ disclosure of their sexual orientation to family and degree of relational conflicts varied according to their parents’ degree of [awareness or acceptance]. For participants who were not out to their family it seemed to create ‘pressure on the home front, being unable to be who I truly am with my parents.’” Societal Expectations The assumption (referred to as the model minority myth ) that AAPI are given special treatment simply because they are statistically more successful in academics and other fields gives leeway to harmful stereotypes. It also: Treats AAPI like a monolith despite their diverse set of cultures, languages and beliefs Delegitimizes race-based traumatic stress that AAPI face throughout their lives, and belittles it to some minor inconvenience with no major effect (which is textbook example of gaslighting, wake up.) Puts down other racial/ethnic groups who experience race-based scrutiny, bullying, and traumatic stress. Adds onto unrealistic expectations already put onto AAPI. As previously stated, this pressure can lead to a very heightened feeling of isolation and identity confusion. AAPI might not seek out mental health services for many reasons, whether it be shame or stigma, a language barrier, or certain faiths and beliefs. Another major reason is that non-Western medicine or practices are sought out more often among AAPI, especially by ones who are First-generation immigrants. Everyone should be aware of the importance of mental health, and a real focus has to be made to offer mental health resources for people of color who are affected by systemic racism. As Kevin Wong, the Trevor Project’s VP of Communications, said in reference to the survey on LGBTQ+ AAPI Youth: “These data points show a critical need to invest in–whether it’s resources or suicide prevention efforts–for youth that are culturally responsive and reflect those diverse identities.” Coping and Resources The trauma of being discriminated against, shunned, and alienated can take such tolls on an AAPI Youth, while also taking into account Queer AAPI. However, there is a light in the darkness. A 2015 article (Sung et al.) says: “[The] multiple minority identities [of Queer AAPI] can also be sources of strength and coping to manage stigma-related stress in their daily lives. [They] may obtain more flexible and adaptable views in responding to life events because they have been exposed to both Asian and Western values and perspectives on their life experiences (pg. 3).” A way of coping is surrounding yourself with other AAPI Youth, or joining heritage clubs or GSAs. That way you will be around people your age and be able to talk about your experiences and struggles. If you are not the social type, another way you can deal with this is reading or finding curated resources online. It is okay to reach out with credible organizations like these; they are dedicated to helping you and making you seen. Here is a PDF (with clickable links) from the Mental Health Coalition with a myriad of resources. Conclusion AAPI are tired of having to leave it up to ourselves and having to carry the burden of many worlds all on our own. However, there is no change if we give into the shame that has been instilled into us. I dream of a world where people of color get the proper help and reparations they need. That we’ll be able to say “I’m Asian” from the highest mountain, with zero shame, and no pit in the stomach. That world is far, but it isn’t out of reach. Reference The Trevor Project. (n.d.). The Mental Health and Well-Being of Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) LGBTQ Youth . Retrieved May 23, 2022, from https://www.thetrevorproject.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/AAPI-LGBTQ-Youth-Mental-Health-Report.pdf National Alliance on Mental Illness. (n.d.). Asian American and Pacific Islanders . Retrieved May 23, 2022, from https://www.nami.org/Your-Journey/Identity-and-Cultural-Dimensions/Asian-American-and-Pacific-Islander Yi, V., & Museus, S. D. (2015, December 30). Model Minority Myth . Wiley Online Library. Retrieved May 23, 2022, from https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1002/9781118663202.wberen528 AAPI Women Lead [aapiwomenlead]. (2022, May 12). Coverage on an NBC News Articles covering a recent Trevor Project survey conducted on AAPI LGBTQ+ youth. [Instagram post]. Instagram. https://www.instagram.com/p/CdeO5UEJ70N/?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y= Sung, M. R., Szymanski, D. M., & Henrichs-Beck, C. (2015). Challenges, coping, and benefits of being an Asian American lesbian or bisexual woman . https://www.apa.org/pubs/journals/features/sgd-sgd0000085.pdf

A photograph of the 1963 March on Washington (Source: Wikimedia Commons) What was the Civil Rights Movement? The Civil Rights Movement was the decades-long fight for social justice, equal rights, and equal treatment for African Americans. Most would cite the 1950s as the "beginning" of the movement. In actuality, there was never a specific starting point when African Americans started advocating for their rights. Even today, African Americans have to fight to be treated equally in society. Black Codes and Jim Crow Laws Black Codes were numerous sets of laws enacted in the former Confederate states to ensure white supremacy stayed in place. An image of an African American drinking from a colored water fountain (Oklahoma City, Oklahoma in 1939). (Image Source: Public Domain) Put into place following the Civil War, Black Codes were very detrimental to African Americans. This was done because, while the 13th Amendment to the Constitution ended slavery, there was a loophole; Section 1 of the 13th Amendment states the following: “Neither slavery nor involuntary servitude, except as a punishment for crime whereof the party shall have been duly convicted, shall exist within the United States, or any place subject to their jurisdiction.” Because of this, if an African American committed a crime, they could be legally forced back into slavery. Black Codes included many ridiculous laws that only applied to people of color. Even the most minor offense could cause a person of color to be forced back into slavery. Jim Crow laws were unfair laws that further segregated people of color. Thomas Dartmouth Rice inspired the name with a racist minstrel routine he performed in the early 1800s. In these performances, Rice supposedly went on stage and acted like a baboon while wearing blackface. Eventually, Jim Crow became an offensive slang term for Black men and a designation for segregation. Jim Crow laws separated people of color from schools, housing, jobs, water fountains, public gathering places, etc. All of this, plus the already existing racism in society, created difficult circumstances for African Americans. Black Codes and Jim Crow laws’ existence truly made life unfair for African Americans and are just some of the reasons why the Civil Rights Movement began. Notable Figures Rosa Parks An image of Rosa Parks being fingerprinted by a Deputy Officer after refusing to give up her seat on a bus during the Montgomery Bus Boycott. (Image Source: Wikimedia Commons) Rosa Louise McCauley Parks was an African American civil rights activist who is best known for her role in the Montgomery Bus Boycott. Parks refused to give up her spot on a bus on December 5th, 1955, as she was a person of color and had to sit in the back. She was forcefully removed from her seat and fined $10 (equivalent to 250 modern dollars). Parks was called “the first lady of civil rights” and “the mother of the freedom movement” by the Congress of the USA. Martin Luther King Jr. Martin Luther King Jr. delivering the famous “I Have A Dream” speech at the March on Washington on August 28, 1963. (Image Source: PBS) Martin Luther King Jr. was an African American civil rights leader and Baptist Minister. King was seen as the leader of the Civil Rights Movement who helped inspire millions of Americans to make a change. King became the most visible spokesperson and leader during the Civil Rights Movement. King is most famous for his “I Have A Dream” speech. This speech helped pass the 1964 Civil Rights Act and was vital in inspiring all Americans. Malcolm X Malcolm X in 1964. (Image Source: Wikimedia Commons) Malcolm Little, better known as Malcolm X , was an African-American human rights activist and Muslim Minister who was a popular figure of the Civil Rights Movement. He was a supporter of Black Nationalism and Pan-Africanism. Unlike Martin Luther King Jr., Malcolm X urged his fellow African Americans to protect themselves from white suppression “by any means necessary.” He labeled other civil rights leaders “stooges” of the white world and even labeled Martin Luther King Jr. as a chump. Other Civil Rights leaders worth mentioning include Sojourner Truth and Bayard Rustin . Conclusion The Civil Rights Movement was successful due to its strong leaders and the dedicated work of people of color in America. As Martin Luther King Jr. said in his famous speech: “I have a dream that one day this nation will rise up and live out the true meaning of its creed: We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal.” While people of color still fight for absolute equality today, the United States would be a very different place if it weren’t for the Civil Rights Movement. References History.com Editors. (2021, May 17). Civil Rights Movement . HISTORY. https://www.history.com/topics/black-history/civil-rights-movement History.com Editors. (2021, January 21). Reconstruction . HISTORY. https://www.history.com/topics/american-civil-war/reconstruction The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica. (n.d.). black code | Laws, History, & Examples . Encyclopedia Britannica. https://www.britannica.com/topic/black-code Carson, C. (n.d.). American civil rights movement | Definition, Protests, Activists, & Facts . Encyclopedia Britannica. https://www.britannica.com/event/American-civil-rights-movement The 13th Amendment of the U.S. Constitution . (n.d.). National Constitution Center – The 13th Amendment of the U.S. Constitution. https://constitutioncenter.org/interactive-constitution/amendment/amendment-xiii Urofsky, M. I. (n.d.). Jim Crow law | History, Facts, & Examples . Encyclopedia Britannica. https://www.britannica.com/event/Jim-Crow-law Nobel Prizes 2020 . (n.d.). NobelPrize.Org. https://www.nobelprize.org/prizes/peace/1964/king/biographical/ Nichols, C. (2020, February 4). Rosa Parks (1913–2005) BlackPast. https://www.blackpast.org/african-american-history/parks-rosa-1913-2005-0/ History.com Editors. (2021a, January 19). Rosa Parks . HISTORY. https://www.history.com/topics/black-history/rosa-parks History.com Editors. (2009, October 29). Malcolm X . History.com. https://www.history.com/topics/black-history/malcolm-x.

What is Juneteenth? Juneteenth, also known as Emancipation Day, is an annual holiday that commemorates the emancipation of slaves in the southern states of the US. It is described as a second independence day and has been celebrated within the African-American community for over a century. History A photograph of the Emancipation Proclamation (Image Source: Library of Congress Prints & Photographs Division) Once the Emancipation Proclamation took effect on January 1, 1863, slaves in Confederate states were declared legally free. However, everyone in these states was not immediately free, as the Proclamation couldn’t be properly implemented in places that remained under Confederate control. On June 19th, 1865, Union general Gordon Granger arrived in Galveston, Texas, and informed enslaved African-Americans of the end of the Civil War and their freedom. This is what put the Emancipation Proclamation into effect on a larger scale. Juneteenth was named as such by the newly freed people in Texas on that day in 1865. Celebrations Over time, Juneteenth has been celebrated by African-Americans in many different ways, including prayers and celebrations among families. Some who were enslaved, or had descendants who were, would make an annual pilgrimage to Galveston. Now that more people outside of the African-American community are aware of this holiday, big celebrations are becoming more common and large-scale events like music festivals are being organized in major cities. A Juneteenth celebration parade in Philadelphia in 2019(Image Source: Tippman98x on Shutterstock.com) Recognition Former President Joe Biden signing the legislation making Juneteenth a federal holiday. (Image Source: White House) Juneteenth only started being recognized officially in 1980, when Texas first made it a state holiday. The most recent states to make it an official holiday were Hawaii and North Dakota in April 2021. Finally, after the Senate and House of Representatives almost unanimously voted in favor of it, President Joe Biden signed legislation making Juneteenth a federal holiday on June 17th, 2021. Importance Juneteenth is important to commemorate because it allows us to reflect on the steps that were made toward freedom and the ways in which African-Americans are still undermined in our society. As this holiday approaches, we must realize the importance of uplifting and supporting Black voices in the fight for equality and justice, both on Juneteenth and throughout the entire year. References HAVE A PROUD AND HAPPY JUNETEENTH! Juneteenth World Wide Celebration. (n.d.). https://juneteenth.com/ . LeBlanc, P., & Stracqualursi, V. (2021, June 18). New national holiday sets off scramble to shut down governments nationwide Friday . CNN. https://www.cnn.com/2021/06/17/politics/juneteenth-federal-holiday-government-shut-down/index.html . NBCUniversal News Group. (2021, April 27). Hawaii close to honoring Juneteenth, leaving 1 state holdout . NBCNews.com. https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/hawaii-close-honoring-juneteenth-leaving-1-state-holdout-n1265564 . Robbins, L. (2020, June 18). These states now recognize Juneteenth, but what are their other holidays? wusa9.com. https://www.wusa9.com/article/news/nation-world/juneteenth-us-states-official-holidays/507-aa8e98a6-8e01-4f39-b3b5-632d3bf8c83b . Smith, K. (2020, June 18). Reflecting on Juneteenth . Facing Today - A Facing History Blog. https://facingtoday.facinghistory.org/reflecting-on-juneteenth . Smithsonian . (n.d.). The Historical Legacy of Juneteenth . National Museum of African American History and Culture. https://nmaahc.si.edu/blog-post/historical-legacy-juneteenth . Taylor, D. B. (2020, June 17). So You Want to Learn About Juneteenth? The New York Times. https://www.nytimes.com/article/juneteenth-day-celebration.html .

Being Gay Being a Lesbian Being Queer History Issues Symbols What Does it Mean to be Gay? The word gay is a broad, inclusive term that encompasses people who experience same-gender attraction. Gay is most commonly used by men who are exclusively attracted to other men. As the LGBTQ+ community grew and diversified, gay has become an umbrella term used by people who experience same-gender attraction but are not exclusively homosexual. For example, a bisexual woman may conversationally refer to herself as "gay" because of her attraction to women. Likewise, a non-binary person might call themselves "gay" even though they are not only attracted to other non-binary folx. What Does it Mean to be a Lesbian? The term lesbian is commonly used by women who are exclusively attracted to other women. However, in recent years, the definition of lesbian identity has undergone a transformation, reflecting a broader understanding of gender and inclusivity within the LGBTQIA+ community. To learn more about lesbian history and the ever-evolving term, check out our Lesbian article . What Does it Mean to be Queer? Similar to gay, queer is an inclusive umbrella term that is widely used by many different members of the LGBTQ+ community. Generally speaking, it's a term for anyone who isn't cisgender, heterosexual, or allosexual. However, queer has more specific uses too, such as describing sexuality and/or gender for people who find that other labels don't authentically represent them. Reclamation The origins of the word queer stretch back to the 15oos, meaning “peculiar, odd, eccentric.” In the more intolerant past, homosexuality was seen as “unnatural,” so “queer” would become a derogatory term for anyone who wasn’t cisgender or straight. Today, the word is being reclaimed by the LGBTQ+ community and is proudly used by many people. Gay History Gayness, or homosexuality, is not something new. Fragment of an Attic cup showing same-sex intercourse, 550-525 BCE (Image Source: Collection the Louvre Museum) Records of homosexuality date back to even before ancient Roman times. Mesolithic rock art in Sicily from 9,700 B.C. depicts phallic male and female figures in pairs. Around the same period, drawings from the Neolithic and Bronze Age featuring sexual depictions were found in the Mediterranean area. These portrayals are shown to represent a human figure having breasts and male genitals or without sex-distinguishing characteristics. ​ According to the novel Female Homosexuality in Ancient Greece and Rome , same-sex relationships and intercourse were also well-documented in both ancient Rome and ancient Greece. Men were often expected to be attracted to other men and women. However, the evidence about female homosexuality is limited, with its mention in Greek and Roman literature being scarce. Looking for more gay history? Try our other posts: Homosexuality in Ancient Europe Homosexuality in the Pre-Colonial Americas Homosexuality in Ancient China Homosexuality in Medieval Europe Homosexuality in Latin America Gay Issues Even though homosexuality has been around for a very, very long time, there are sadly still problems gays and lesbians have to face. Homophobia Homophobia refers to prejudice, discrimination, or hatred towards people who experience same-gender attraction. It encompasses various forms of bigotry, ranging from verbal harassment and social exclusion to physical violence and legal discrimination. Lesbophobia is a kind of homophobia that specifically targets lesbians. Unlike homophobia, lesbophobia frequently comes from both outside and inside the LGBTQ+ community. Oftentimes, lesbophobia within the community stems from misogyny (prejudice against women). Heteronormativity This is the belief that heterosexuality, or the attraction to the opposite sex on the gender binary, is the normal or default sexual orientation. It assumes that sexual and marital relations are most fitting between people of the opposite sex. ​ Heterosexism This is a system of attitudes, bias, and discrimination in favor of opposite-sex sexuality and relationships. It includes the presumption that other people are heterosexual or that opposite-sex attractions and relationships are the only norm and, therefore, superior. ​ While all members of the LGBTQ+ community face homophobia, gays and lesbians deal with heteronormativity and heterosexism to a different extent. Other members of the LGBTQ+ community can face these problems, but they are most prevalent with gays and lesbians. Gay Symbols Triangle Badges The first symbols of homosexuality were forced upon gay and lesbian individuals in Nazi concentration camps during World War II. Homosexual men were required to wear an inverted pink triangle, while those who were homosexual and Jewish had to wear an inverted pink triangle overlapping a yellow triangle. While lesbian women were not recognized by the Nazi regime, many were denoted with an inverted black triangle given to those considered “asocial”: Rainbow Flag In 1978, Gilbert Baker designed the original rainbow pride flag for San Francisco Gay Freedom Day as a more optimistic alternative to the pink triangle that many gay men had reclaimed in the decades since the Holocaust. It was meant to capture the diversity of the global gay and lesbian community. In this original version, pink represented sexuality, red for life, orange for healing, yellow for the sun, green for nature, turquoise for art, indigo for harmony, and violet for spirit. Other variations include a 7-stripe version with the pink removed to save fabric. Another version of the rainbow flag removed the turquoise and changed the indigo to royal blue, which has remained the popular symbol for the gay community (and the LGBTQ+ community overall) since 1979. References Oxford University. (n.d.). Homosexuality Meaning . Lexico Dictionaries. https://www.lexico.com/en/definition/homosexuality . Jones, J. M. (2021, February 24). LGBT Identification Rises to 5.6% in Latest U.S. Estimate . Gallup.com. https://news.gallup.com/poll/329708/lgbt-identification-rises-latest-estimate.aspx . The Rainbow Chronicles . Thoughtworks. (n.d.). https://www.thoughtworks.com/rainbow-chronicles . Boehringer, S. (2021, September 7). Female Homosexuality in Ancient Greece and Rome (1st ed.). Routledge. Oxford University. (n.d.). Heteronormative Meaning . Lexico Dictionaries. https://www.lexico.com/en/definition/heteronormative . Oxford University. (n.d.). Heterosexism Meaning . Lexico Dictionaries. https://www.lexico.com/en/definition/heterosexism . United States Holocaust Memorial Museum. (n.d.). CLASSIFICATION SYSTEM IN NAZI CONCENTRATION CAMPS . Holocaust Encyclopedia. https://encyclopedia.ushmm.org/content/en/article/classification-system-in-nazi-concentration-camps . Gonzalez, N. (n.d.). How Did the Rainbow Flag Become a Symbol of LGBTQ Pride? Encyclopædia Britannica. https://www.britannica.com/story/how-did-the-rainbow-flag-become-a-symbol-of-lgbt-pride . Siclait, A. (2021, June 15). What The Lesbian Pride Flag Means And Where It Comes From . Women's Health. https://www.womenshealthmag.com/life/a36523338/lesbian-pride-flag-meaning/ .

Being a Lesbian History (Ancient) History (Modern) Issues Symbols What Does it Mean to be a Lesbian? The term lesbian is commonly used by women who are exclusively attracted to other women.   However, in recent years, the definition of lesbian identity has undergone a transformation, reflecting a broader understanding of gender and inclusivity within the LGBTQ+ community. Traditionally defined as a woman exclusively attracted to other women, the scope of lesbian identity is expanding to be more inclusive of non-binary and gender non-conforming individuals. Some now describe a lesbian as a "non-male who is attracted solely to women." This adjustment aims to recognize and validate the experiences of non-binary and gender-nonconforming (GNC) individuals who identify with the lesbian community. Lesbian History (Ancient) Sappho - The Original Lesbian Sappho and Erinna in a Garden at Mytilene (Source: Simeon Solomon, 1864) Perhaps one of the most iconic lesbians in history is Sappho of Lesbos. An ancient Greek poet from the 600s BCE, Sappho's works are passionate, emotional, and filled with vivid descriptions of love and longing. Her poems primarily focused on the relationships between women, depicting their beauty and allure. Sappho's poems were often written in the first person, which has led readers to speculate that some of her works might have been autobiographical. While scholars may debate the translations of these lyrics and their meaning, Sappho's iconic work inspired the terms "lesbian" and "sapphic" as words to describe love and attraction between women. Other Parts of the World Just like with male homosexuality, female homosexuality is documented around the world. from Ancient Egypt, where women were said to cast "love spells" on other women, to early Imperial China, where lesbian couples were given the term " duìshí,"  which translates to "paired eating." The Scarcity of Lesbians in History Unfortunately, female homosexuality has overall been documented far less than male homosexuality. Does this mean lesbians were more scarce than gay men? Maybe. But when you consider the prevalence of systemic misogyny in cultures all over the world, you have to wonder if the real issue is not the lack of women attracted to women, but the lack of desire for historians to write about them. Women were also expected and pressured to adhere to gender roles more strongly than men; while men could easily "get away" with non-traditional relationships, women would not be afforded the same privilege. In the end, misogyny is likely a significant factor in society's lack of historical lesbian visibility. Lesbian History (Modern) Lesbians played a vital role in the 1950s-1970s American LGBTQ+ rights movement. As early as 1955, the first lesbian social and political organization was established in the form of the Daughters of Bilitis . This group helped to bring lesbian issues into mainstream culture, having launched its own monthly magazine and appeared on a national radio broadcast. DeLaverie in her iconic drag look In 1969, a " typical New York butch" is said to have kicked off the riot at the Stonewall Inn while resisting a violent arrest and demanding the onlooking crowd "do something." Famous lesbian performer Storme DeLaverie is sometimes credited as the "butch" who started it all. The 1970s were pivotal for queer rights activism, and lesbians played major roles in these movements. On May 1, 1970, a group of radical lesbian feminists forever changed the feminist movement .  During the Second Congress to Unite Women in New York City, organizations like the Gay Liberation Front (GLF) and the National Organization for Women (NOW) gathered to discuss feminist rights. Suddenly, the auditorium's lights were suddenly cut, shocking the crowd, and eerie laughter was heard throughout the audience. When the lights came back on, lesbian activists stormed the stage. Bold text on shirts was displayed saying "Lavender Menace." Armed with signs that read, "We are your worst nightmare, your best fantasy," historical figures like Rita Mae Brown, Karla Jay, and Martha Shelley took to the stage for over two hours to fight for lesbian inclusivity in feminism.  In 1971, NOW officially adopted lesbian rights as part of its agenda . The AIDS Crisis When gay men were banned from donating blood during the AIDS crisis, lesbians stepped in to offset the decrease in the amount of blood available for transfusions.  They are a vital part of AIDS history and a group of lesbians that helped reduce the effects of the blood ban. A major way lesbians helped during the AIDS crisis was through volunteer work in hospitals. It was difficult for hospitalized AIDS patients to receive adequate care as doctors and nurses refused to treat them for fear of the virus. The result? A large number of lesbians with medical backgrounds began lending their time in hospitals to help those who were not being properly taken care of. An ACT UP demonstration at the National Institutes of Health (Public Domain) One activist who helped pave the road to a more unified LGBTQ+ community was activist Maxine Wolfe. Wolfe hosted “Dyke Dinners” to create spaces for lesbians to voice their frustrations with the various ways HIV-positive women — most of whom were women of color — were being excluded from AIDS activism. Their voices caused a stir and were the start of lesbians creating real legislative change. Lesbians in the 1990s were caretakers, activists, protesters, lawyers, artists and historians. They had range! Lesbian Issues Homophobia/Lesbophobia Homophobia refers to prejudice, discrimination, or hatred towards people who experience same-gender attraction. It encompasses various forms of bigotry, ranging from verbal harassment and social exclusion to physical violence and legal discrimination. Lesbophobia is a kind of homophobia that specifically targets lesbians. Unlike homophobia, lesbophobia frequently comes from both outside and inside the LGBTQ+ community. Oftentimes, lesbophobia within the community stems from misogyny (prejudice against women). Heteronormativity This is the belief that heterosexuality, or the attraction to the opposite sex on the gender binary, is the normal or default sexual orientation. It assumes that sexual and marital relations are most fitting between people of the opposite sex. ​ Heterosexism This is a system of attitudes, bias, and discrimination in favor of opposite-sex sexuality and relationships. It includes the presumption that other people are heterosexual or that opposite-sex attractions and relationships are the only norm and, therefore, superior. ​ While all members of the LGBTQ+ community face homophobia, gays and lesbians deal with heteronormativity and heterosexism to a different extent. Other members of the LGBTQ+ community can face these problems, but they are most prevalent with gays and lesbians. Lesbian Symbols Lesbian Flag The labrys lesbian flag was created in 1999 by Sean Campbell. It included a labrys, which was a common symbol of empowerment adopted by the lesbian feminist community in the 1970s, on top of the inverted black triangle used during the Holocaust over a violet background. The Lipstick Lesbian flag was introduced on the blog “This Lesbian Life” in 2010. This was later adapted to a variation without the lipstick mark in the top left-hand corner.​ However, many lesbians oppose the Lipstick Lesbian flag and its derivative due to butch-phobic, biphobic, transphobic, and racist comments on the blog of the original designer, Natalie McGray. This led to a new lesbian pride flag, designed by Emily Gwen in 2018, which uses different colors to represent a wider range of individuals within the lesbian community. PRISM uses a simplified version of this updated pride flag on its PRISM Pride collection with five colors rather than seven. References A short guide to lesbian identity. Rainbow & Co. (2021, July 2). https://rainbowandco.uk/blogs/what-were-saying/a-short-guide-to-lesbian-identity Boehringer, S. (2021, September 7). Female Homosexuality in Ancient Greece and Rome  (1st ed.). Routledge. Brekke, K. (2017, April 4). How lesbians' role in the AIDS crisis brought gay men and women together . HuffPost. Retrieved December 8, 2022, from https://www.huffpost.com/entry/aids-crisis-lesbians_n_5616867ae4b0e66ad4c6a7c4 Oxford University. (n.d.). Heteronormative Meaning . Lexico Dictionaries. https://www.lexico.com/en/definition/heteronormative . Oxford University. (n.d.). Heterosexism Meaning . Lexico Dictionaries. https://www.lexico.com/en/definition/heterosexism . Siclait, A. (2021, June 15). What The Lesbian Pride Flag Means And Where It Comes From . Women's Health. https://www.womenshealthmag.com/life/a36523338/lesbian-pride-flag-meaning/ . Sylvester, E. (2023, April 25). The complexities of lesbian visibility. The Trevor Project. https://www.thetrevorproject.org/blog/the-complexities-of-lesbian-visibility/   The act up historical archive: The tactics of early act up (interviews of Maxine Wolfe). (n.d.). Retrieved December 8, 2022, from https://actupny.org/documents/earlytactics.html   Understanding gay & lesbian identities. The Trevor Project. (2022, October 26). https://www.thetrevorproject.org/resources/article/understanding-gay-lesbian-identities

What is Sex? What is Gender? What's the Difference? Sex vs Gender (Video) Gender Identity Resources What is Sex? Sex is a trait defined by various biological attributes. These can be various different features: Genetic (like X and Y chromosomes) Physical (like your genitals) Hormonal (testosterone and estrogen levels) While this is generally considered binary (male or female), there is a large group of people who cannot be easily placed into a biological sex binary. Some examples of cases that do not conform to these attributes include: Intersex - Physical features do not align with male or female binaries Chromosomal - extra chromosomes or missing chromosomes Hormonal - sex-based hormone levels don't align with male or female binaries​ What is Gender? Gender is a combination of social, emotional, and cultural ideas that define how humans interact with each other. These can be broken down into two sectors: gender identity and gender expression. ​ Gender Identity Gender identity is how you perceive yourself on the gender spectrum. This can fall anywhere on the gender spectrum and is not limited to male or female. ​ Gender Expression Gender expression is how you display yourself outwardly. This can include the clothes you wear, the way you style your hair, or even the way you talk. This doesn't necessarily have to "match" with your gender identity. It's just how you express yourself! ​ Both gender identity and gender expression are fluid. They can change over time and don't have definitive boxes or categories. What's the Difference? Sex and gender ARE NOT the same thing. Sex is a biological trait that you are born with, just like your eye color or height. Gender is a societal structure; it is how to perceive and express yourself and how that aligns with gender norms and ideals. ​ Watch our video about the differences between sex and gender. Gender Identity Resources Below, you can find information on a specific gender identity. Transgender Resources Non-Binary Resources