On October 24, Boston Latin School Black Leaders Aspiring for Change and Knowledge (B.L.A.C.K.) and BLS Gender and Sexuality Alliance (GSA) co-sponsored the presentation of the recent documentary, Black. Narratives in Boston Black Queer and Trans History.
The documentary, produced by Amir Dixon and Amanda Shea, covers over five decades of Boston’s Black LGBTQ+ history from the 1970s to the present day. The film features pioneers and activists within the queer Black community sharing their personal experiences of finding their identity and the struggles they face against discrimination, as well as their strides in cultivating a safe space for queer Black youth.
The 2023 Roxbury International Film Festival in October featured the 2022 film, and it continues to be featured throughout Boston as a lesson about those who have withstood discriminatory social standards.
The speakers in the documentary gave unfiltered, close insight into their experiences specific to the queer history of the Greater Boston area. Without the variety of viewpoints available, small but vital pieces of history would have gradually been erased. Despite the history of marginalization of Black and queer individuals, there is still an enduring sense of unity and moments of joy within those communities.
For many students, the screening was an opportunity to learn about the histories and stories they may not have been familiar with. A discussion with director Amanda Shea after the event focused on the erasure of history and the importance of sharing first-person stories. Adi Acosta (II) shares, “It shows that history is not distant — the events and experiences described in the documentary are nearby, relevant and have shaped the social fabric of our city within the last century.”
One of the most common points that arose in the discussion was that these stories are not heard nearly enough, despite how crucial it is to reflect upon each others’ experiences. They may parallel or completely differ from our own, but learning about each unique story is important. At the end of the discussion, Shea encouraged all students to write self-affirmations and emphasized the importance of self-love.
Black pride is often overlooked, even during Pride Month events in June. In fact, historically across the United States, Black LGBTQ+ voices lack representation. BLS English teacher Mx. Dana Amico explains, “I think that Black, trans and queer stories are missing in schools, and this viewing served as an opportunity for many students to learn a new story or a new history they may not be familiar with.”
As writers, educators and artists, Dixon and Shea aim to expand African-American history to include the voices of underrepresented populations in the narrative. Shea remarks, “There are so many poets today that share connections, lineage and family.”
Dixon launched his firm, Amir Now, in 2018 to bring together diverse LGBTQ+ perspectives in films. They hope their work drives action and makes a difference in the way society operates.