WHY WE'RE HERE - Even with more resources being dedicated to LGBTQ issues, Black/African Descent lesbians are still consistently marginalized with few public spaces dedicated to addressing issues unique to us. This marginalization unfortunately continues in shared Black LGBTQ spaces which results in Black/African descent lesbian lives, issues and contributions being systematically minimalized or dismissed. This also occurs in shared Black LGBTQ  in lesbian specific/welcoming or women-only spaces which frequently address "women of color" issues and refuse to genuinely address the unique challenges Black/African descent lesbians constantly face. With this marginalization comes less to no funding or other resources that address our needs. Because of this, Alyce D. Emory and Kim L. Ford, two NYC community workers & activitsts, developed Beyond Bold And Brave, as a solution to this issue.

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BEYOND BOLD AND BRAVE is a 501 (c) 3 non-profit that works to increase the visibility of Black/African descent Lesbians* by supporting and producing programs, projects and events that responsibly and truthfully affirm and represent Black /African Descent Lesbian life, work and identity. We define Black/African descent Lesbians* as a diverse community of women who are: part of the African diaspora including Black, African, African-American, Afro-Caribbean, Afro-Indigenous, Afro-Latina, Afro-Asian, Afro-European; identify as transgender, cisgender, gender non-conforming, queer, same-gender loving as well as additional identities; and are attracted to and/or have relationships with women.

 

OUR GOALS

• To create and support spaces that respect, affirm and welcome Black/African descent lesbians and support their growth and development.

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• To connect Black/African descent lesbians with social, political and economic resource opportunities that will help us live healthier & affirmed lives.

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• To include Black Lesbian history, work and contributions into the societal history and culture.

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• To develop & sustain partnerships with organizations that serve and support black lesbians in ways that align with our goals .

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• To encourage, develop and support on-going discussion, activities, education and work that empowers black lesbians.

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SOME OF OUR WORK 

• Producer, "Its Not Just Talk" Women's History Month Salute Event (2015)

• Co-Producer, NYC Black Pride Women's Forum (2015)

• Producer, "The Evolution of Our Community" Black Lesbian Conference (2016)

• Producer, "Work As Memoir" Black Lesbian Conference (2018) 

• Committee Member, New York LGBTQI+ Day of Advocacy (2019)

• Committee Member,  ZAMI NOBLA "Women Sweet on Women" Black Lesbian Film Festival (2020)

• Featured Participant, Heritage of Pride's  "Pride Is..." Promotional Campaign (2020)

• Community Partner, The National LGBTQ+ Women's Survey (2021 - 2023)

• Founding Organization Member, The Black & Latino LGBTQ Coalition (2014 - Present)

• Sponsor, " Reconciling Faith & Identity" Panel Discussion hosted by Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. (2019)