The National Black Justice Coalition (NBJC) is a civil rights organization dedicated to the empowerment of Black lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer (LGBTQ) people, including people living with HIV/AIDS. NBJC’s mission is to end racism, homophobia, and LGBTQ bias and stigma. As America’s leading national Black LGBTQ civil rights organization focused on federal public policy, NBJC has accepted the charge to lead Black families in strengthening the bonds and bridging the gaps between the movements for racial justice and LGBTQ equality.
Since 2003, NBJC has provided leadership at the intersection of national civil rights groups and LGBTQ organizations, advocating for the unique challenges and needs of the African American LGBTQ community that are often relegated to the sidelines. NBJC envisions a world where all people are fully-empowered to participate safely, openly and honestly in family, faith and community, regardless of race, class, gender identity or sexual orientation.
Homophobia and the anti-gay oppression it engenders has severely limited the extent to which African American LGBTQ people live open, authentic lives. To counter this, NBJC is deepening its focus on the African American family, putting a face on the Black LGBTQ community, and fostering a collective effort to accord dignity and respect to all African American families as an important step in individual and community empowerment. “Building Stronger Black Families” is the theme guiding NBJC’s planning and program development as we focus on removing the inequalities of policy-based initiatives that weaken families, communities, and ultimately, the country.
Polls have repeatedly shown that respondents who know an LGBTQ person within their family, workplace, house of worship, and/or social networks have increased support for policies that foster equal rights. Progress on LGBTQ social, employment, and marriage equality issues grows as LGBT people feel empowered to be out and open in their families and communities. Increasing acceptance and respect for Black LGBTQ people within their families, churches and communities is essential to increasing that openness within the African American community and gaining support for LGBTQ equality.
