#ThisIsLuv campaign affirms LGBT love in Black communities and families

Former NFLer Wade Davis and writer Darnell L. Moore want to change the narrative. More specifically, they want to change the narrative around black people and homophobia. The current narrative describes homophobia among black people as something unique, ubiquitous, and more pervasive than among other racial groups. And whether attributed to religion or other factors, it’s a narrative that has gained currency in our national debates, coming very close to blaming the entire problem of homophobia on black people who hate “the gays.”

Davis and Moore see things differently. They have witnessed first-hand loving affirmation of their identities by black family members and friends, and now they want the rest of us to witness it as well. With the #ThisIsLuv campaign, which launched this week, they are creating a space for black LGBT folks to share their stories of being loved and embraced by black communities and families. In partnership with GLAAD, National Black Justice Coalition, Politini Media, HRC Foundation (HRCF), EBONY.com, and Feministing, they are offering a counter narrative — one that doesn’t deny the existence of homophobia within black communities, but also doesn’t present homophobia as unique to black folks or as the sole lens through which black people engage their loved ones who are also part of the LGBT community.

This Sunday (Feb. 22), Lori and I will join our friends Wade and Darnell, as well as former NBA Star Jason Collins, EJ Johnson (Son of NBA Great Magic Johnson), Danielle Moodie-Mills (Politini), Miss Lawrence (Real Housewives of Atlanta, Fashion Queens), Tiq Milan (GLAAD), and more for a #ThisIsLuv town hall in Washington, D.C. It will be space to share stories and model the type of love for black LGBT folks that somehow escapes the discourse. If you’re in the area, you can RSVP for the event here.