Black Joy is Revolutionary

“won’t you celebrate with me
what i have shaped into
a kind of life? i had no model.
born in babylon ….
what did i see to be except myself?
i made it up
here on this bridge between
starshine and clay,
my one hand holding tight
my other hand; come celebrate
with me that everyday
something has tried to kill me
and has failed.”

Lucille Clifton “Wont You Celebrate with Me”

Through decades of media erasure and misinformation, the world has become impervious to the idea of Black trans folks openly being in a state of joy.

You know what joy feels like, right?

Dancing without care, tears streaming down the cheeks with laughter, losing track of time, feeling yourself expand, being more of yourself, crying out in pleasure — that kind of feeling, that kind of joy.

It’s understandable that attention needs to be given to the discrimination that the Black trans community faces, the dangers that they encounter in a world that has long denied them their rights and humanity. Still, there’s space to share real-life and even fictional stories about their joys.

This past Pride we got to share these moments with one another, and we look forward to continuing to do so. Our organization is Black trans-led, and we proudly center the Black TGNC community in our work. We don’t wait until June comes back around to enjoy one another, to enjoy ourselves, and to be seen and celebrated. That’s what the media does.

Imagine if there was just as much time and attention given to honoring the lives of Black trans folks, not only in ceremony but in continuous, open celebration. Fortunately, some of us are in spaces where we don’t have to imagine that. For anyone who doesn’t experience this in their lives just yet, know that it is real. If you live in or near the Dallas County, Alabama area or are ever in town, please visit us.

We’d love to share with you the power and possibility of uninhibited Black joy. https://www.tkosociety.com/