“Everyone is At Risk” Says Bumming Cigarettes, A Film about HIV Stigma in Black Lesbian Communities

In April and May, Sistah Sinema will screen Bumming Cigarettes – a narrative depicting its protagonist getting an HIV test. The film, produced by Black Womyn Conversations director/producer, Tiona McClodden, shows that we are all at risk for sexually transmitted infections regardless of our race, sexuality, or gender identity.…

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QWOC TALK: HIV At-Home Testing Kit Says, “Know Your Status”, We Say, “Know Your Facts”

OraQuick commercial advertises an at-home HIV testing kit! But, is it just me or did you also feel like you were transported to 1991 and forced to watch a weird version of Michael Jackson’s Black or White video? Also, what is up with the floating busts telling me that HiV isn’t a “black thing?” …

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LGBT Elders, Disability, and Community Care: Support Queer Brown Activist, Aurora Levins Morales

Guest post from Sabina Ibarrola, Edited by Spectra. I don’t remember why exactly I first sought out Aurora Levins Morales’ Remedios in my college library, just that I did. I checked out the book and took it home, began reading on the subway ride back to Brooklyn. Reading her words felt like getting away with…

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AMPLIFY: Jasmine Burems, Black Lesbian Entrepreneur Bottles Holistic Self-Care in HONEY & GOLD

Cross-posted from www.spectraspeaks.com. Early this morning, I received a message from Jasmine Burems, a Black lesbian organic herbalist, who specializes in women’s wellness. She congratulated me on the success of my Africans for Africa campaign, and was hoping I’d lend support to her own project on IndieGoGo. Honestly, I receive so many requests like this,…

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To be Loved or to be understood? The Struggle Between Culture and Sexuality

“There are so many myths about our queer lives that still exist in our Latin@ community; from queerness being a choice or a psychological disorder to us not wanting children and being possessed by demons. And we don’t talk about these issues because the cultural expectation (especially of our elders) is to not go against the grain.” Sarahi Yajaira

One Latina shares her struggle with expressing both her culture and her sexuality. …

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Queer Women of Color Speak on Fashion and Body Image: What Makes You Feel Beautiful?

Open a magazine or turn on the television and chances are good you’ll see someone talking about weight loss. In the United States, much of our media suggest that we are obsessed with our bodies, especially our waistlines. One ad sells a pill that will help you lose inches off your waist. Another ad tries…

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