Reel Urban News Exclusive
By: Ian L. Haddock, Guest Contributor
Intersections do matter. As an out, Gay— Black first— man, my intersections matter. There is disenfranchisement with both of those intersections separately, but when added together, the discrimination can come from each of the pieces exclusively. Because of this, it is important for me to create a blueprint for those who exist around me to feel comfortable bringing their whole selves into spaces, success and growth with the myriad obstacles present. That’s my life’s work.
In the Deep South intersected with the Mega-Church Capitol and sitting on the buckle of the Bible Belt, it is a struggle to do the integral work of displaying and promoting the “human-ness” at each of our subsets that makes this earthly experience such a valuable one. The struggle looks different as I grow in recognition and attention, but the fight is one that will never stop. Still, the work is much more important than any struggle that can come from it.
It’s not all bad, though. I would be insane to overlook the beauty, rich culture, unabashed celebrations and immense love my community possesses. We are a people who have literally loved each other through some of the worst of times. Coming from a former prostitute who now has the privilege to write, speak and organize for this community, the Black LGBT people are more than friends and family—they are my saviors. When no one with the same blood loved me or told me I was good enough, I had a whole community that told me I was better than good enough even at my worst.
So, as the Vice President of the newly established Impulse Group Houston, I am excited to officially announce our launch. Impulse Group, a group designed to bring elevated social activations that promote community, sexual health awareness and the importance of networking, has 21 chapters domestic and abroad.
Impulse Group Houston’s launch is sure to be celebration of all that our queerness encompasses. Held at Cle’ Houston on July 21, 2018 with both international and local celebrities, we are expecting over 1,000 people to recognize and celebrate our intersections. For more information, follow Impulse Group Houston on all social media platforms. We pledge to meet our communities where they are.
Intersections matter, indeed. But meeting at the intersections and understanding that we are more alike than different is the reason why we are here.
