I refer to the month of June as freedom month. Summer begins and we celebrate Juneteenth, Father’s Day, Black Music Appreciation, and Pride month in June. But even with the foundation of what’s taught in Black and brown communities on faith, freedom, and fatherhood, many Black people aren’t able to truly be free.

“It’s hard for educators of color to be accepted in any space, inner city, metro, or rural county – especially if you’re queer!” – Mario Jovan Shaw, CEO of Messy Roots

Even in Black spaces, the way those who are part of the LGBTQIA+ community are treated can cost them their lives. In my 18 years in education, I have not only read about the horrible experiences of Black students, especially those with disabilities and who are part of the LGBTQIA+ community, I’ve witnessed them.

It’s hard for Black teachers and students in the LGBTQIA+ community to embrace self acceptance in the public school system.

Teachers specifically have a more difficult time embracing their sexuality openly because of our direct contact with students. It’s the underlined conversations had amongst parents, students, and even teachers.

Many people in inner city or metro district schools will say, “oh no, that’s not the culture at all!” but there are many educators in schools, also including in rural or inner city areas, that have a much different experience.

I’ve seen first hand the trauma of Black students in the LGBTQ+ community in public schools. Most times no one steps up to stop the madness or to truly be an ally. Instead, those who could create safe spaces end up being silent, ignoring the behaviors, or joining in on the laughs. This includes teachers, staff, parents, and district leaders who allow and reinforce negative stereotypes.

Adults are oftentimes the first ones to influence or force Black youth to make decisions about who they can and cannot be, especially if it’s centered around their sexualty.

Self acceptance regarding sexuality in the Black community is taboo. Black males who rap about drugs, gangs, having babies without taking care of them, disrespecting and objectifying women are more accepted than a Black male who identifies as not being heterosexual or whose gender differs from the gender they were born as.

“If we can’t create safe spaces for Black LGBTQ+ adults then we certainly aren’t doing it for kids,” Shaw states.

I believe investing in safe spaces that are not anti-Black or LGBTQIA+ includes providing services for housing, medical, employment, counseling, and also legal support for teachers within the school system or through contracted providers.

I also believe it includes conversations, inclusion, policies, investing in SEL supplemental resources, and most importantly, support for families to truly support our students at school and home even if that students path differs from the parents’ expected path.