The Intersection of Pride and Racial Justice
Why liberation must be intersectional and how YWCA is showing up for the full humanity of LGBTQ+ people of color
Every June, as rainbow flags fill our social media feeds and storefronts, it’s important to remember what and who Pride is really for. Pride is a celebration, yes. But it began as a resistance movement led by bold, visionary leaders, many of whom were Black and Brown trans women and queer people of color.
It was Marsha P. Johnson, a Black trans activist, who helped spark the uprising at the Stonewall Inn in 1969.
It was Sylvia Rivera, a Latina trans woman, who fought fiercely for the rights of LGBTQ+ people experiencing homelessness.
And it was countless unnamed activists of color who marched, organized, and risked everything to demand a world where everyone could live in safety and dignity.
Pride has always existed at the intersection of identities, and so must our advocacy.
Why Intersectionality Matters
At YWCA Northeast Kansas, we know that LGBTQ+ individuals do not live single-issue lives.
A survivor might be Black, queer, undocumented, and low-income all at once. These layered identities do not exist in silos. And the systems that marginalize them including racism, sexism, homophobia, transphobia are deeply interconnected.
That’s why intersectionality isn’t a buzzword for us. It’s a framework. It’s how we understand violence, oppression, and healing. And it’s how we show up for our community.
What It Looks Like in Our Work
At our Center for Safety and Empowerment (CSE), we provide free, confidential, trauma-informed support to survivors of all genders and identities, including LGBTQ+ survivors of color. This means offering:
Inclusive advocacy that centers survivors’ identities and lived experiences
Culturally responsive services in both urban and rural settings
A Day Center that provides non-judgmental, drop-in support for survivors of trafficking and commercial sexual exploitation
A 24/7 crisis line and a weekday text line for people who may not feel safe calling
We’re also committed to educating the public, training partner agencies, and advocating for policies that protect and uplift LGBTQ+ communities, especially those most impacted by violence and discrimination.
Pride Is Racial Justice
To celebrate Pride without acknowledging the racism, poverty, and systemic barriers faced by LGBTQ+ people of color is to miss the point entirely. True liberation requires us to fight on every front: for safety, healthcare, housing, education, and legal protections. It requires us to listen deeply, amplify marginalized voices, and never stop pushing for change.
This month and every month, we honor the legacy of Black and Brown LGBTQ+ leaders by continuing the work they started. That work is Bold. Powerful. Now.
Join Us
Support intersectional justice by:
Donating to support our survivor services and advocacy
Sharing our Pride Month content to amplify inclusive messaging
Inviting us to speak with your organization about LGBTQ+ survivor support
Following LGBTQ+ leaders of color and supporting their work
Equity doesn’t happen by accident. It happens when we show up—loudly, consistently, and with love.
From the crisis line to the Capitol, we’re committed to building a world where every identity is safe, affirmed, and free. Pride is justice. And justice is our mission.