Interview with KOKUMO, Chicago Trans* Activist and Founder of KOKUMOMEDIA

Chicago-based trans activist KOKUMO talks about the challenges and triumphs of trans women of color: My name is KOKUMO (pronounced “koh-koo-mah”). I gave myself that name, because KOKUMO is Yoruba, a West African Dialect, for “This woman will not die.” The reason I named myself that is because, unfortunately, that’s what typically happens to women like myself.

Continue reading at the Huffington Post.

Where is the Black ‘New Normal’ in Primetime?

Where are [black Americans who are gay and raising families] in primetime? “The public has to push the media to do the right thing,” Sharon Lettman-Hicks, the Executive Director and CEO of the National Black Justice Coalition (NBJC), told theGrio. As the head of a civil rights organization that fights to promote the rights of black LGBT families, Lettman-Hicks recognizes the importance of positive media stereotypes, but she’s not holding her breath waiting for Hollywood to lead the way. “I give a lot of credit to some of the black media for doing responsible coverage of our community, but [Hollywood needs] to catch up,” she says.

More on theGrio.

Poet Jade Foster Discusses THE REVIVAL, a Poetry Tour Showcasing Queer Women of Color

Jade Foster, producer of THE REVIVAL, and an art student based in Washington, DC is very committed to getting women together and empowering women’s voices. GLAAD had the opportunity to speak with Foster, who gave us some insight into the significance and purpose behind the tour.

Check out the interview on GLAAD’s blog.

Voting While Trans: Watch the Public Service Announcements

Turns out that gender identity matters at the polls. The National Center for Transgender Equality has released a series of public service announcements to call attention to the specific challenges transgender folks face while trying to vote. The challenges facing transgender folks are especially unique.

Get informed over at Colorlines.

Bryant Steele, Indianapolis Man Killed In House Fire, May Have Been Targeted For Being Gay

Sources say that a mysterious Indianapolis house fire that left one man dead may have been an anti-gay hate crime. WBIW cites family members who say 27-year-old Bryant Steele, who was found dead in a home that caught fire during the early hours of Sept. 30, may have been targeted by arsonists because he was openly gay.

More at Huffington Post.

LGBT History Month Icon Of The Day: Kye Allums

Kye Allums made news when he came out as the first transgender man to play on a NCAA Division 1 women’s basketball team in November 2010. At the time, Allums was a George Washington University junior majoring in interior design. When he disclosed his gender identity to his teammates and coach, he was greeted with open arms.

Continue reading on the Huffington Post.