Elevating Black Queer Lives: A Fusion of Art, Advocacy, and Solidarity

In both virtual and physical realms, the imperative to uplift Black lives, especially within the Black queer community, has never been more crucial. Often, discussions surrounding LGBTQIA+ issues inadvertently overlook or exclude Black and indigenous people of color (BIPOC). Seattle artist Jadzia Parker, a vital voice in the queer Black community, recognized this oversight and sought to amplify these often marginalized voices through her art.

As a seasoned artist with notable projects such as collaborating with the Seattle Symphony, Jadzia found her deepest inspiration in a Black Lives Matter project for a local school. Fuelled by this experience and armed with her expertise in hand-lettering, she embarked on a mission to create a design that would spark meaningful dialogue about the significance of Black queer and trans lives. The result? A powerful artistic expression encapsulated in the phrases 'Black Queer Lives Matter' and 'Black Trans Lives Matter,' each adorned with their respective pride colors on a t-shirt.

Jadzia's intent is clear: to delve into Black identities and spotlight those who identify as queer and/or trans. Through her hand-lettered designs, she not only communicates these vital messages with clarity but also establishes fundraisers for both causes, directly giving back to the Black queer and trans community.

In Jadzia's words, "I’m always eager to make a design that says, 'Black Lives Matter,' but I wanted to dive into Black identities a bit more. My goal is to elevate and focus on the Black people who also identify as queer and/or Trans." The t-shirts serve as a tangible means for individuals to show solidarity, allowing them to wear their support proudly.

Navigating the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, Jadzia, like many artists, found solace and release through her creative process. She notes that lettering became a therapeutic outlet during these challenging times, and this project served as a catalyst for increased creativity and self-reflection.

The Lavender Rights Project is committed to creating a more just and equitable society by providing low-cost civil legal services and community programming for trans and queer low-income individuals. Their work addresses various intersections of LGBTQIA+ identity, including anti-blackness, xenophobia, racism, disability, and experiences with incarceration.

On the other hand, the LGBTQ Freedom Fund focuses on paying bail for LGBTQIA+ and low-income individuals facing time in U.S. jails and immigration facilities. Beyond bail support, they provide critical HIV/AIDS treatment and prevention services.