A couple of months ago, I had the pleasure to interview a long time black LGBTQ activist Mandy Carter. Mandy has been a long time supporter, member, and employee of the War Resisters League. She helped establish SONG or Southerners on New Ground. SONG is an organization that builds skills, connection and leadership with thousands of Southern LGBTQ people of color, rural people, immigrant people and working class people. She also co-founded the National Black Justice Coalition, which is the only national organization focused on African American LBGTQ advocacy.
During my conversation with Mandy, I was not only drawn in by her charismatic personality but also her experience advocating for black people, women, and LGBTQ individuals. My conversation with Mandy made me consider my full identity and how I may utilize my privilege to advocate for others as a white, bisexual woman. In the midst of a world where we see the active oppression of women and LGBTQ people, Mandy reminds us that the fight did not end with the gay liberation movement, the civil rights movement, or the legalization of gay marriage. The fights continues and we must continue as well.
During her early years of advocacy, Mandy often met with organizations that would advocate for black rights but not for black LGBTQ people and vice versa. Mandy saw this suppression of her identity and went own to create SONG and support organizations that focus on the intersectionality of oppression. Mandy calls herself a bridge builder and, in this conversation, she extended a hand to me to learn more and act. Now I extend my hand to you. Please watch his interview and become a bridge builder so we may go hand in hand together in peace.
Learn more about Mandy!
WRL's Interview with Mandy and Joanne Sheehan
LGBT History Month's Spotlight on Mandy
Web Links from the Interview
National Black Justice Coalition
American Friends Service Committee
Wallace Terry's Bloods: An Oral History of the Vietnam War by Black Veterans
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