2023 Black History Month LGBTQ+ Community Spotlight

The month of February is a time to reflect on the contributions, challenges, and history of our Black and African American community members. Despite attempts to erase queer Black activists from history, they have pressed through the obstacles of colonialism and white supremacy, and we proudly pay tribute to those who fought for equality before us. We also want to celebrate the achievements of activists today who continue to lead, create, and envision a better future amidst the ongoing racism in our country. This Black History Month 2023, Indy Pride is uplifting the stories of Black LGBTQ-identifying Hoosiers who are community leaders and advocates. Check out their stories below.

Larry K. Stribling (He/Him)

In a few words, how do you identify?

I proudly identify as a Black Gay Man 

How do you show up in the community & how are you held by your community members?

I currently volunteer and provide my leadership skills on two of Indy’s LGBTQ+ nonprofit Board of Directors. I strive to create space for the LGBTQ+ community and be a vocal advocate for the BIPOC LGBTQ+ community. As a servant leader, I recognize that community accountability comes with the territory of being on a nonprofit Board of Directors. What drives me to do this work is knowing that there’s a Black LGBTQ+ individual who sees representation in the space I occupy and is encouraged to take up the mantle to continue this work.       

How do you celebrate and affirm yourself?

I show up being my authentic Black Gay self. I take pride in my intersectionality because living as a Black and Gay man has equipped me with the internal strength of resiliency through this world, we live in. 

Tell us more about you! How do you spend your time? What brings you joy?

I moved from the city of Chicago 7 years ago to Indianapolis knowing no one within Indianapolis. I immediately sought out opportunities to get involved and first landed with Indy Pride in 2017. In 2020 I co-founded Stonewall Sports Indianapolis to create a space for more recreational sports to be played by LGBTQ+ members with a philanthropic mission to give back to the community. It has been a journey and there has been so much progress for the better that I am proud of as a Black Gay Man. 

In my spare time, I enjoy spending quality time with my partner, our puppy, family, and friends. Cooking, traveling, and karaoke recharge me as well. 

What is most significant and important to you personally about Black LGBTQ+ history?

Black LGBTQ + history is American history, or better yet world history, and knowing that without the contributions of Black LGBTQ + members, we would not be and or have the freedoms we have now as a community. I continue to be humbled by the sacrifices of Black LGBTQ+ leaders before me and be proud of the current Black LGBTQ+ leaders making progress in the world.   

What is your favorite aspect of being Black and LGBTQ?

My favorite aspect of being Black and LGBTQ + is truly knowing that Black LGBTQ+ continue to be trailblazers despite the racism and homophobia within and outside our community.  We continue to shine, forgive, advocate and create opportunities. 

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Belinda Drake (She/Her)

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Jenna Phillips (She/Her)

In a few words, how do you identify?

Cisgender, African American, Lesbian, Mental Health Advocate

How do you show up in the community & how are you held by your community members?

Being in the community is my happy place. Attending events that are fun as well as those that tug at my heart. Not only do I show up in the community but I consider myself the community. Community is about fellowship, and not necessarily in a religious aspect. Being together with one another, embracing our similarities, and empowering our differences. 

How do you celebrate and affirm yourself?

By celebrating myself, I have learned to celebrate the small wins in life. Often times we are taught to look at the bigger picture; the end goal. We are never taught to enjoy the ride, and celebrate every step of the way. Celebration of myself looks like enjoying a coffee at a local coffee shop, participating in walk/talk conversations with friends, and admiring the lessons that I have learned while on this journey of inhaling/exhaling. Materials things don’t make who I am, it is the love and tenderness that I pour into myself every morning that I awake. I am gentle to my hurt, energetic to my happiness, and proud of my authenticity. 

Tell us more about you! How do you spend your time? What brings you joy?

Well, I am the kind of woman who knows what she wants and is determined to have her cake and eat it too. I am in graduate school for Clinical Mental Health counseling currently and I work in an inpatient psych unit. I spend my time growing my knowledge base of the communities I serve; the LGBTQ+ and BIPOC, through books, podcasts, and community engagements. You can catch me most mornings at the YMCA working out and engaging in small talk with those around me. In the evening I like to indulge in my favorite guilty pleasure; Oreos and Almond Milk. When I step into a room, my presence speaks before words get a chance to flow from my mouth. I have also been known to have great moves on the dance floor. Some things that bring me joy are the warmth of the sun, the sounds of water running down a river, or a perfectly made Mai Thai!  

What is most significant and important to you personally about Black LGBTQ+ history?

Personally, there isn’t Black LGBTQ+ history without the knowledge and acknowledgment of Audre Lorde. The proud African American lesbian who spent her living years addressing the challenges of racism, sexism, classism, and homophobia. She is important to me because reading her literature and listing to her speak, embodies the diversity and inclusion that feminism should exist from. 

“If I didn’t define myself, I would be crunched into other people’s fantasies for me and eaten alive.” –Lorde

What is your favorite aspect of being Black and LGBTQ?

My favorite aspect of being Black and LGBTQ is the boldness and confidence that allows me to reclaim my place in spaces that have not always existed for those like myself. Being black and LGBTQ means resilience. 

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Joseph Coleman (He/Him)

In a few words, how do you identify?

I identify as a proud black gay male.

How do you show up in the community & how are you held by your community members?

I show up in the community by showing up as my full authentic self in spaces, especially those where we were not equitably represented, as the conduit and radically transparent voice from our community to the resources, access, visibility, and belonging that it deserves and needs. My community members love me and I love them! Often times the work I do is thankless, but my community members are the first ones to always give me my flowers whether it’s at a community event or just out and about in the community!

How do you celebrate and affirm yourself?

I celebrate and affirm myself by acknowledging my own personal and professional growth(inserts meme of Kelli from Insecure) but most importantly by giving myself grace when life gets a little rough. This work, what I call heart work (vs. “hard”), isn’t easy by any means, but every day is a new chance to make a positive impact and I’m grateful for the opportunity to do so.

Tell us more about you! How do you spend your time? What brings you joy?

Originally from Gary, IN (with family roots in Winston-Salem, NC & Chicago, IL) I moved to Indy to attend IUPUI in 2014. Over the years I’ve found joy in spending time with my friends and family, better known as my tribe, which keeps me grounded, visiting local coffee shops (shoutout to some of my faves: MOTW, Chalet Indy, & Almost Famous), wine tasting (shoutout to our community’s own Sip & Share Wines! Their Intention and Gratitude wines are my fave!), and I would be remiss if I didn’t mention watching anime haha! What honestly brings me joy though, is seeing other people’s joy. I love being able to help those around me when I can and if I can’t, connecting them with what/who they need to be successful.

What is most significant and important to you personally about Black LGBTQ+ history?

Personally, what is most significant and important to me about Black LGBTQ+ History is its preservation and accurate recording. Right now, we’re witnessing the erasure and gatekeeping of black culture and history not only in our schools but also within our communities. Growing up in Gary, I didn’t know anything about Black LGBTQ+ history. Ironically enough, James Baldwin was one of my favorite activists/novelists to research and write about, but as a black gay youth at the time, I never saw any mention of his work that revolved around sexuality or the complexities of intersectionality. It wasn’t until I was well into my young adulthood that I learned about icons like Marsha P. Johnson, Bayard Rustin, and Angela Davis, just to name a few, and I’m still learning more and more every day. George M. Johnson says in their NY Times Best-Seller “All Boys Aren’t Blue” (which has been added to banned book lists across this country) ”You sometimes don’t know you exist until you realize someone like you existed before.”, and for me, until adulthood, that was true. We have to keep fighting for our history’s preservation and accurate recordings for not only our visibility but also representation for future generations to come.

What is your favorite aspect of being Black and LGBTQ? 

Everything lol! From the richness of our melanin to the intersectionality that has bred its own communities (Shoutout to Black Gay Twitter for always giving me a laugh and keeping me up to date on pop culture), to the food that we make, I mean, I can’t just name one thing when there’s so much that I love. I think that my favorite aspect is being able to enjoy it. In my experience, being Black and LGBTQ sometimes has meant being ostracized by the black community and fetishized by others within the LGBTQ community. There was a time when I wasn’t as cozy in my skin and it took a while for me to get to that place of comfort, now that I have it, I have so much appreciation and love for Black LGBTQ+ culture, my culture, and I refuse to let anyone or anything take it away or diminish it. “When an individual is protesting society’s refusal to acknowledge his dignity as a human being, his very act of protest confers dignity on him.” – Bayard Rustin

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Pat Yo’ Weave (He/She/We)

In a few words, how do you identify?

I would say out of drag I identify as a proud gay man who loves life to the fullest! And in drag, I identify as a proud loving pansexual person who loves without limits. I know some will not understand this and will think that it is the same person, but it truly is not and I do my best to make sure that my “boy” and my “Drag” life are separate when they can be, even though most people always refer to me as Pat.

How do you show up in the community & how are you held by your community members?

I would say I show up in my community in service first! When I started this art form of female impersonation I started doing this for charity with the Bag Ladies and charity and giving back to my community will always be at the forefront of what I do. Next, I would say I show up to my community like a friend or a “Mother” figure. Sometimes that can come in many different ways, but it is always out of love and respect. It may be straight and to the point or it can be soft and gentle. I try to read the room, the situation, and what is needed from you at that time and give that to you at that time. I truly believe that if you ask most people about me they would say I am a genuine friend and person who has a heart for their community and wants to see us all at our best. I encourage those who do not know me to get to know me, I am very approachable, and I love people. I can be intense I will admit. But I am passionate about the work I do and seeing people around me be great!

How do you celebrate and affirm yourself?

I end my shows or any event that I host the same way no matter where I am: I see you, I love you, I appreciate you and I accept you. But I had to remember that when 1 finger points at everyone else, 4 fingers point back at me.  I have to believe in these things for myself first. Do I see myself and all the beauty I currently possess?  Do I love myself for where I currently am? Do I appreciate myself and all I bring to the table? And do I accept myself fully, flaws and all? Love starts with yourself and if I am struggling to love myself, it is hard to love another person.

Tell us more about you! How do you spend your time? What brings you joy?

What brings me joy is spending time with those I love and those who love me! I spend my time with my family and my friends, with DJ Push pause and the fur baby Dana. I love to stay busy, but I also love those days of quiet and calm. I love to cook and bake so anytime I get to cook or bake for friends and family is an absolute joy for me! I enjoy a good drag show! There is nothing more exciting than going to see an entertainer from any walk of entertainment get on the stage and TURN THE PARTY! I also love to travel now and my favorite cities to go to are Chicago and Las Vegas. So any time you want to go to these cities let me know I am ready to GO! I am also an ordained minister and I am willing and able to officiate your wedding!

What is most significant and important to you personally about Black LGBTQ+ history?

What is significant is that no matter how much people have tried to tear us down or downplay our accomplishments or not give us seats at the table, we still rise to the occasion and perform wonderfully. For years it felts as if people of color would never be given the spotlight, like our other brothers and sisters, but we have proven time and time again that we are important, our contributions are significant and we will not be silenced.

What is your favorite aspect of being Black and LGBTQ?

I love that I can bring all of myself every day! I have learned to stop apologizing for being me and learned to love me for me and allow others to do the same and if they do not be ok with them walking away. I love that I am free to love unconditionally.

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Flomichelle Battles (She/Her)

In a few words, how do you identify?

Proud Black Transgender Woman

How do you show up in the community & how are you held by your community members?

In the community, I would say I am the cool auntie! I am the one that is reserved and definitely about business. But once the business is over I can let my hair down and have fun. I try to ensure the younger generation knows that I am genuine and there for them when they need me. I just want to see my community succeed.

How do you celebrate and affirm yourself?

I am very vocal about being a proud  Black Trans Woman. I am very big on advocating that there is Trans representation in any and everything that I can. Those things are affirming for me.

Tell us more about you! How do you spend your time? What brings you joy?

I am mostly a homebody. Especially now that I’ve entered a new position, I spend most of my free time researching and completing training to help me excel in my position. I thoroughly enjoy cooking. That is definitely my happy place. I would be lying if I said a small part of my joy doesn’t come from relaxing in bed and catching up on reality television. My biggest joy is mentoring and nurturing the transgender youth in Indianapolis. Helping them discover themselves and walk in their authentic truth is ultimate joy.

What is most significant and important to you personally about Black LGBTQ+ history?

Let’s be honest, the black LGBT community has greatly influenced almost every facet of life. Fashion, music, and beauty industry to just name a few.

What is your favorite aspect of being Black and LGBTQ?

Being black and Trans is a superpower! I enjoy the ability to relate to two of the most underprivileged and underserved sectors of society.

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Bryan Ball Carvajal (He/Him)

In a few words, how do you identify?

I identify as an African American, millennium, pansexual, cis male.

How do you show up in the community & how are you held by your community members?

I show up in my community by truly listening to community voices and being intentionally helpful in areas in need where I can collaborate with others. Three of my top strengths are connectedness, relator, and responsibility. I have always been aggressive in advocating for individuals who have faced injustices, who feel like outcasts, or who do not have a sense of stability in their lives. I am held by community members as a connector and collaborator and share my voice through my lived experience to advocate for those in need.

How do you celebrate and affirm yourself?

I celebrate and affirm myself by being authentic and walking in my truth. I have spent many years in hiding because I felt that I did not fit in anywhere. I also celebrate and affirm myself, by understanding that I’m still a work in progress and have many more milestones to face. I understand that I am the creator of my own reality and it’s not my responsibility to create someone else’s happiness. After going through experiences of losing both parents at an early age, experiencing homelessness, domestic violence, financial instability, mistreatment early in my professional life, and church-hurt due to my sexual orientation, it drives me to have the courage to lean into my vulnerability.

Tell us more about you! How do you spend your time? What brings you joy?

There are a lot of things that bring me joy, but one of the biggest areas that gives me joy is the performing arts. For the last two years, I have been getting more involved in community theater. I enjoy being on stage and public speaking. Another area that brings me joy is traveling abroad to various parts of the United States and eventually outside of the country. Being in the company of well-rounded individuals from diverse cultures allows me to have a broader view of recreational events or community impact initiatives.

What is most significant and important to you personally about Black LBGTQ+ history?

One of the most significant and important things about Black LGBTQ+ history is how the country has grown from labeling homosexuality as a mental illness and how the mistreatment of Black LGBTQ+ individuals was from both black and white individuals during the civil rights struggle, as a result, Black LGBTQ+ individuals had no idea where they fit in. Even though there has been progress made, there is still a continuing struggle to receive equality.

The second area of significance to me is the ongoing struggle of black men living in secret (down low) for decades, which has caused an impact on the mental health/physical wellness of their female partners. The impact was not intentional, but fear can cause a breakdown in how individuals approach different situations. The fear that black men felt – and still feel – has caused distrust between black men and black women. There is still more work to be done and I want to be a part of changing history for the upcoming generations.

What is your favorite aspect of being Black and LGBTQ+?

My favorite part about being black and LGBTQ+ is the fact that I have been able to set a positive example in the community where I can still be my authentic self with my own style, and still be looked at as being masculine. My personal life and who I love, does not dictate my masculinity. In the past, I have had quite a bit of backlash from the African American community about society’s expectations of how an African American man should behave. For my immediate/extended family, it took them over a decade to accept that black LGBTQ+ males were just as capable of having meaningful lives as any other heterosexual male. We must continue to work harder to achieve what we deserve as individuals.

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Heather Savage (She/Her)

In a few words, how do you identify?

As a strong BLACK female, LGBTQ+ advocate (emphasis on the L), and passionate Social Worker | Leader | Mentor

How do you show up in the community & how are you held by your community members?

I show up in the community as a “Community Connector”. I like to think of myself as a ‘resource hub’, someone that can provide resources to those that need them. If I cannot handle it myself, I know exactly who to connect folks with. I also show up as me! There is no secret and no hidden agenda when it comes to who I am, the work that I do, and who I serve. I love people, I love the community, I love MY community (Black and LGTBQ+), I just love my people and they love me back!

How do you celebrate and affirm yourself?

I give myself GRACE! I do not profess to know it all or be perfect, in any way, but I have learned to love myself (flaws and all), and know that as long as I am giving that, I can celebrate the small wins!

Tell us more about you! How do you spend your time? What brings you joy?

I am a leader, mentor, professional development and leadership consultant, clinician, board member, partner, mother, and Doctoral student. I love spending time with my “Little Family”: My Partner and My son! We are a great trio, and I could not imagine life without the two of them. I mostly spend my time working from home, attending my son’s football games, and tagging alongside my partner, DJ MaryJane, when she has her gigs! I spend a lot of time serving in the community, showing up to support at various events, networking, and spending time with my Sorority sisters! My Joy comes from within, it comes from the love, the life, and the home that we have created together!

What is most significant and important to you personally about Black LGBTQ+ history?

The most important thing for me about Black LGBTQ+ history is that we have come a long way! We are not where we need to be, but there is progress being made toward further acceptance, inclusion, solidarity and etc. BUT we are also strong enough, smart enough, and beautiful enough to create OUR own! No sense in trying to “fit in” when we can just do our own thing and let others conform. It’s the strength that is most important to me!

What is your favorite aspect of being Black and LGBTQ?

That I CAN be openly BLACK and LGBTQ! This has not always been the case and in some spaces, this still is accepted, but when people see me, they see ME! There is no judgment, there is no discrimination, and there is no pressure to conform. If I do not feel comfortable, then I won’t go BUT I am also very confident in WHO I am and WHAT I bring to the table, therefore I deserve a seat regardless!