Tag Archives: Black sex workers matter

Center the Most Marginalized: Protect Black Trans Lives Embroidery

Center Black Trans Sex Workers embroidery by Suzanne Forbes June 15 2020I wanted to do an embroidered work that was an homage to the Pride flag redesign by Daniel Quasar.

The redesigned flag, called the inclusive flag, was created in 2018. It has black and brown stripes, like the Philadelphia Pride flag, as well as the colors of the trans flag.

Center Black Trans Sex Workers embroidery by Suzanne Forbes June 15 2020 sideI love the design because it shows the responsibility of the “rainbow” queer community to embrace and protect its most vulnerable members.

Black leadership tells us to center the most marginalized. We must put the most vulnerable members of our community at the center. For my circular version of the inclusive flag I added the red umbrella of support for and solidarity with sex workers, because for many black and brown trans people, sex work is the only employment that doesn’t bar them. I also included the lavender of the Bisexual Pride Flag, because bisexuals suffer a high rate of domestic violence.

I am so happy that community came forth in numbers to support Black trans folx this past weekend. Love and support is essential to protect Black trans men and women and nonbinary people at this time when critical medical anti-discrimination protection has been torn away and violence against Black trans women is devastating.

RESOURCES TO HELP!

The Black Lives Matter actions carrd.

Paper article on how to support Black trans people now.

Vice article on orgs you can donate to help Black trans people.

Out Magazine Trans Obituaries Project, honoring Trans Women of Color lost in 2019.