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Being included in the @DIVAmagazine awards felt good for about 5 mins. After that the realisation dropped that we had probably only been included to add diversity. It always feels like that when we’re included by these publications apart from 2 which I’ll shout out later.
We knew from the jump... I said this because @LindaRiley8 has been following me since before we even had a podcast. No interaction ever for nothing. Nada. But we’ve been nominated? So you know who we are?
All you need to do is go through Diva Mags IG page and you’ll see the same black faces who are all public figures or celebrities. Even black cishet celebrities because they mentioned ‘gay’ once. Nobody that looks like us is featured on their website or their social media pages.
The only reason I can think of is because we make them feel uncomfortable. The way we walk and talk, and our interests don’t align. OUR blackness makes them feel uncomfortable. We’ve seen it in wider society. White people are usually intimidated by a certain type of black.
And we fit that stereotype of blackness that makes them uncomfortable. It is rooted in racism. The fact that you have a black friend isn’t enough. Because that black friend would never be me or any of my peers due to your discomfort.
I have a friend who made a short film last year. She is such a lovely person, she also happens to be black and masc presenting. This was her experience with Diva Mag... even
Even if you don’t want to feature, why block? Just make a cute excuse. Blocking is very harsh for someone who is just passionate about their project and is grinding to get their work out there. It’s disrespectful
Why are these publications there if they can’t genuinely celebrate ALL LGBT people? To keep the big corporations that are pumping money into you happy? Where is the meaning and heart of what you do? There are so many black queer people doing AMAZING things.
Talented writers, content creators, those doing AMAZING charitable work. It even baffles me that even the charitable organisation, you can’t support? Those making REAL changes to our community can’t even get a RT? It’s sad. Really sad. Yet you include us in your lists and awards?
You haven’t done the real work. We are no longer accepting crumbs. The mountains black queer people move with support from just ourselves is crazy. I’m so proud of us and I don’t want anyone to be discouraged because those with the big platforms use us to tick a box.
Anyway we sent @DIVAmagazine an email this morning. And we hope to get a response and we hope there is some accountability.
