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Exclusive: Under Attack — Black and Queer in America

In response to the attack on Jussie Smollett, black LGBTQ artists, intellectuals, and leaders discuss America's legacy of hate and overcoming our collective rage.

In the wake of the attack on Jussie Smollett on January 29, I struggled to figure out an appropriate response. I could just write a personal essay, as I've often done when a news story touches me in a particular way—and I did, but I knew that mine was only one perspective. The question remained: how do we confront this hate, and how do we heal from it?

Luckily, there was no shortage of black, queer folks willing to share their perspectives and their experiences: Emil Wilbekin, founder of Native Son; Raquel Willis, executive editor of Out magazine; Guy Anthony, founder/CEO, Black, Gifted & Whole; Mila Jam, pop recording artivist; and DaShawn Usher, founder/executive director, MOBI.

I am eternally grateful for their participation, for their clear-eyed assessments, and for generally giving life during a dark time for the black and queer communities. Check out their discussion below:

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