By Immani Love
When I was first approached about writing this article the concept seemed pretty amazing, write about some good things that have been noteworthy for People of Color in 2023. So I first tried to narrow it down, since I am a proud member of the LGBTQ+ community, I looked there first. Unfortunately, with legislation targeting our community, a huge rise in homophobic crimes, and a spike in the suicide rate for LGBTQ+ youth, I found it difficult to find the “good news.” I was disheartened and getting frustrated but then, I looked towards Hollywood for help! I found openly gay Billy Porter winning more awards to add to his already long list of accolades and celebrating a new album, celebrity Lesbian couple Da Brat and her wife Judy having a baby despite being a “geriatric mother” and considered high risk, and comedians like Monique’ and Wayne Brady coming out as queer and pansexual. There’s been more visibility for queer POC individuals in television and movies. It was refreshing and I wanted more. I was so excited to see so many good things happening in our world I turned my attention to music.
Being the Entertainment Chair for St Pete Pride gave me a window into the up and coming artists that are sharing their authentic selves through music and reminded me of some of the all time favorites I knew would continue to make me proud. One of those artists is the group Meet Me at the Altar, young, diverse, queer, and unapologetically loud and proud! Then there’s Janelle Monáe, not only coming out as queer but putting out an incredible album celebrating our bodies and sexuality with no restraint. Although not queer, there’s one artist that speaks to the masses, embodies Black Excellence, and influences queer culture with a flip of her flawless long blonde hair and a shimmy of her toned mom body…Queen Bee, Beyonce. And to add to her appeal she allowed her teen daughter, Blue Ivy, join her on tour to show the masses that this is a family business in every aspect. Beyoncé’s ‘Renaissance World Tour’ has become the highest-grossing tour by a woman artist in history– at more than $461 million, so that is by far something to celebrate from Black culture in music.
Last but not least the world of sports had some stellar moments in 2023. Although not for the LGBTQ+ community but for POC in general. LeBron James broke the record of Kareem Abdul-Jabbar to becomes highest scorer in NBA history. In the world of basketball LeBron was already an icon but this achievement definitely elevated his status. Next, in track and field sports Sha’carri Richardson has had a reputation for being not only fast but the center of controversy. From her high energy, almost cocky attitude, to her long fingernails, she was consistently the topic of conversation. Now her name is celebrated as the U.S. touts her winning a gold medal in the 100m final at the World Athletics Championship in Budapest with her sights now set on summer Olympics in Paris in 2024. Finally, in the NFL, (especially close to my heart,) 2023 marked the first time that 2 black quarterbacks competed in the Super Bowl! The stellar, standout athlete for the Philadelphia Eagles, my hometown team, Jalen Hurts battled that other guy from the Kansas City Chiefs, Patrick Mahomes. Just kidding…although, that Mahomes guy took home the trophy, both quarterbacks made little black boys (and some girls) all over the world believe that anything is possible. As a side note, with the way both teams are playing this year, I wouldn’t be surprised to see a rematch in 2024!
Overall, 2023 was actually a good year for People of Color in the U.S. and it isn’t just limited to entertainment, music, and sports. There are so many more ways that we as a people impact our country and even the world. From medicine, science, and technology to community service, politics, and finance, we can find something remarkable to marvel at and more over be proud of how far we as a people have come. When it comes to the LGBTQ+ community we have so much more to share with the world and with each new year comes new ways to share our unique perspectives and innovative ways to express ourselves. I invite you to not only bask in the flourish of ingenuity but to celebrate it every day, through 2024 and beyond.
