All BlaQ Lives Matter at HBCUs

Abstract

This chapter aims to explore the nuances of Blackness with intersections of gender and sexuality. Black and Queer (BlaQ) lives matter just as much as Black (cisgender/heterosexual) lives; however, the distinctions are not always clear. Provided in this chapter, readers will find a brief overview of the creation of HBCUs, inequitable practices pertaining to the exclusion of Black lesbian, gay, trans*, and queer (LGBTQ+) people from HBCU history and celebration, and a view of what the future of HBCUs can be when they become more inclusive about gender as well as sexual orientation. The knowledge in this chapter is provided in the form of a literature review which is a connection to the author's groundbreaking dissertation that centered the experiences of LGBQ faculty and administrators at HBCUs. It is the hope of the author that by directly addressing these inequitable practices of discrimination at HBCUs, these institutions would continue to do the soul work of diversity, equity, and inclusion, which is considered good trouble and results in transformation.