Kickin' Black anarchic radicalism, pt. 2
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My cousin and I try to work out and pray on the daily and do political education during our exercise/prayer sessions, combining spiritual, physical, and radical pursuits in one
Today we read 'Im Glad I was in the Stonewall Riot' (an interview with Sylvia Rivera) and 'Rapping With a Street Trans* Action Revolutionary' (an interview with Marsha P. Johnson) from the 'STAR' zine by Untorrelli Press
My cousin was able to learn about why the Stonewall Riot happened. She called it a ''breaking point" from facing so much police repression, economic and housing struggles, and above all transphobia and gender based violence as well as racism.
My cousin also learned about how Sylvia Rivera helped found STAR, and how she met the Young Lords and the BPP. My cousin pointed out STAR's focus on "building'' and spoke about how STAR prioritized ''those who were young, trans, homeless, drag queens,'' and how STAR understood that there was a ''long way ahead'' (in Sylvia Rivera's words) but focused on addressing, as my cousin put it, what ''they were facing now.'' I mentioned how this exact approach is what we take in SQuAD, which is inspired partly by STAR's legacy. SQuAD strives to implement survival programs for houseless QTGNC Black folk.
My cousin also spoke about realizing from listening to Marsha P Johnson that there are specifics in the LGBT community, particularly trans women. My cousin also said that after hearing Marsha P Johnson speak about how she related to other people in the gay movement she ''now understands why white people are given the biggest platform for LGBT rights.'' My cousin observed "the cis white men took over the movement [because] they have money and wanted assimilation while Marsha and Sylvia fought for freedom.'' I then asked my cousin why would cis white men betray or coopt the movement, even up to today, and my cousin said ''because they wouldn't want revolution because they were not in poverty.''
What jumped out to me from these readings is how Sylvia Rivera also repeated the fact that many of the people involved the riot were already radicals: involved in the civil rights and anti-war and gay rights movements. The riot was not just a spontaneous rebellion, but something that arose in part because of people who were both tired of their situation, but had been struggling to resist for a while. It was interesting to observe the 'expansive' nature of Sylvia Rivera and STAR's political activity, how it encompassed interactions with other movements, whether GAA or BPP or Young Lords Party. Hearing from Marsha P Johnson about STAR's programs were certainly very sobering and affirming for me as SQuADsibling. Tourmaline reminds us of orgs that also stand in Marsha's legacy:
"Today, in an abundance of ways, many of us strive to hold Marsha’s bold freedom dream. Countless individuals share online fundraisers for surgery support, housing costs, food, and other basic survival needs. Every day Black Trans Media, for instance, lifts up individual fundraisers to support people to giving directly to those who need it now. The Black Trans Travel Fund pays for rides for black trans women in New York and New Jersey. The Okra Project provides free fresh cooked meals to black, trans, and gender-nonconforming people."
Watching Marsha P Johnson herself speak in the documentary Pay It No Mind, I was humbled and honored to listen to her discuss her life, her relationships, her dreams, and to hear people to the impact she had on the communities who got to meet her and talk with her. My cousin then discussed the question of Marsha's death; my cousin agrees that an investigation into the circumstances thereof needs to happen. As an Anarkata, I stand by the need for us to corral community defense with, for, and around Black trans women. The high rates of violence inflicted on Black trans women continue to keep many from reaching elder status, and I agree with Tourmaline that thinking about Marsha's story in particular brings that tragedy to mind.
The struggles of Black trans women, as well as the resistance and motherhood that Marsha P Johnson shows for us, grounded in truly radical movement and community building for the most marginal was super resonant for the Anarcha-Pantherist organizing spaces (including the Afrofuturist Abolitionists of the Americas collective) out of which the ‘’Anarkata’’ concept, synthesis, and Statement were developed. Today’s political education session was about understanding why that is: because our vision of grounding Anarchy in Akata, the pantherist, wildcat, African revolutionary legacy, involves standing in Black queer/transfeminist principles, standing with and following the leadership of Black trans women, sex workers, and building for abolition in a way that always prioritizes the material needs of Black trans women/folk who often get overlooked. Black trans women have paved the way and created the model/framework/blueprint and we must not betray our sisters. Here is how my friend Merricat, brilliant Black trans woman Fourth Worldist anarchic radical put it: "[Anarkata] focus[ed] on creating… an organizational space for marginalized people… There are working class people who are Black trans, disabled people… If you can figure out that… population's problems, you can figure out different solutions, you can extrapolate that to [the] larger population of people." Even for those uninterested in reclaiming the word, or not aligned with ‘’Anarkata’’ or the use of the word, it’s still important that the assumption of, Black trans liberation is a principle we adhere to or carry and put at the center in our organizing.
For my Black trans and nonbinary sibs, if you need some form of aid, please do not hesitate to reach out to SQuAD on Instagram @ squ_ad_ (we have a small venmo fund that we've been supporting folk from). Every other Saturday we host an open mic series on IG that doubles as a political education space. Our featured artist slot is reserved for Black trans women and we send funds to our features, as well as boosting yalls cashapp/paypall/venmo, etc. Definitely come thru and throw down with us.
Also, apply to ForTheGworls Medical Fund if you need medical aid:
For Black trans people that have important prescriptions that need to be filled, this virus has presented various challenges. Some people cannot access pharmacies anymore because of not being able to access public transit. Many folks can not afford to use costly rideshare services, especially in these times. Many cannot afford their co-pays, either. Some have insurance that does not cover prescription delivery programs.
FTG wants to help any Black trans person in NJ/NY that is experiencing any or all of the above. We’ve launched an emergency relief fund that will SPECIFICALLY provide funds to Black trans people to pay for a ride to/from wherever they fill their prescriptions + co-pays if they need assistance.If you’re a Black trans person, apply at: tinyurl.com/FTGMedicalFund.
Also, The Okra Project's founder Ianne Fields Stewart has announced monetary aid for Black trans folk in lieu of food delivery:
If you are having any problems paying for your rent, paying for utilities, paying for food, or if you just need some extra cash PLEASE do not forget that The Okra Project is here to help! Girl, I have no money but Okra Project got COINT!
I also want to say that often in our work we have heard people say “there is someone out there who needs it more than me.” As Black trans people we have been socially conditioned to believe that we must live in deficit. That shit is late. I encourage you. I beg you. Live in abundance! Ask for what you need, what you want, and more! You want the money to buy a cute pair of shoes? Ask for it! You need help paying rent? Ask for it! You just want a little extra money so you can feel more secure in the middle of a global pandemic?? ASK FOR IT! Any money that Okra Project has belongs to any Black Trans person that wants it.
Do not suffer in silence. Do not live in deficit. You deserve all the joys and simple pleasures that you can possibly have at this time.
And for all Non-Black cis and trans folks who wish to support our work please donate to our work at PayPal.me/btsf .
For the Gworls
Cash App: $FTGMedicalFund
Paypal: ftgmedical@gmail.com
The Okra Project
Paypal: https://www.paypal.me/btsf
Black Trans Travel Fund
Paypal: blacktranstravelfund@gmail.com
Cashapp: $BlackTransTravelFund
Venmo: @BlackTransTravelFund
