Don't Silence Us

Honoring Nex Benedict and Confronting LGBTQ+ Erasure


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DISCLAIMER: I accidentally say Compton Cafeteria Riots were in 1969. It was in August 1966 and the Stonewall Rebellion was June 1969!

Description 
As the echoes of Nex Benedict's story reverberate through our hearts, we confront the unsettling truth of their untimely death. This episode is a tribute to Nex, a non-binary Native American teenager from Oklahoma, and a  reminder that the fight against homophobia and transphobia is far from over. I hold institutions like Pace University accountable for their failure to protect non-binary, transgender individuals, and people of color. I honor Next's memory and ignite a critical dialogue on the challenges faced by the LGBTQ+ community in places where acceptance should be the norm, but sadly isn't.

History is often more layered than we're led to believe, and the chronicles of LGBTQ+ activism are no exception. This episode peels back the layers of time to showcase the resilience of gender and sexual diversity long before Stonewall was a name etched in history. From Bayard Rustin's overlooked contributions to the Civil Rights Movement to the Society for Human Rights' pioneering efforts, we pay homage to the unsung heroes whose stories are seldom told. 

The Stonewall Rebellion is iconic, but the stories surrounding it are often mistold. I set the record straight as I spotlight Marsha P. Johnson, a Black transgender woman whose mantra "Pay It No Mind" became a symbol of defiance. I explore the complexities of the Stonewall Rebellion, debunking myths and reinforcing the importance of accuracy in the retelling of history. My discussion is not just a recounting of past events but a commitment to honoring the real lives and legacies of those who fought, and continue to fight, for equality.

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Don't Silence UsBy Melange