Although often pitted against each other, the history of Black people and LGBT+ people are intertwined.
In the 19th century a former slave named Frances Thompson because the first transgender person to testify before congress.
For three days, in May of 1866, white men rioted throughout a Black community in Memphis burning the homes, churches, and schools of the Black community. At least 48 African Americans were murdered, with close to 80 more injured, and five women testified to being raped.
Thompson’s testimony helped to get laws passed to protect emancipated slaves.
A decade later Thompson was arrested for “transvestism” to smear and discredit her.
The backlash Frances experienced is still so much of our world today. Black, transgender women continue to be some of the most vulnerable people in our country who have sacrificed to bring all of us freedom.
Let us remember Frances Thompson and so many others who suffered for simply being themselves.
