WHY WE DO IT
At Black, Gifted & Whole, we recognize that Black Queer men face unique challenges at the intersection of race, sexuality, and identity. These challenges often lead to marginalization, underrepresentation, and limited access to critical resources like education, healthcare, and community support. We do this work because we believe that every Black Queer man deserves to live a life of dignity, opportunity, and empowerment.
By addressing the specific needs of Black Queer men—whether through sexual health education, financial assistance for higher education, or access to affirming community resources—we are creating pathways for success. We believe that when Black Queer men are affirmed in all aspects of their identity, they can lead full, impactful lives that contribute to the betterment of their communities and beyond.
We do it because we know that investing in Black Queer men means investing in the future. By empowering this community, we are changing the narrative, challenging societal expectations, and ensuring that Black Queer men are seen, heard, and valued in every space they occupy.
HERE ARE THE FACTS:

1.
Increased Visibility and Advocacy
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In recent years, Black Queer students at HBCUs have been increasingly visible, advocating for LGBTQ+ rights and creating safe spaces on campuses. Students are leading organizations, hosting events, and collaborating with administrations to promote inclusivity.
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Examples include LGBTQ+ student organizations like Howard University's CASCADE and Spelman College’s Afrekete.
2.
Support From HBCU Leadership
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Many HBCUs have made strides to improve inclusivity, with some presidents and administrators actively supporting LGBTQ+ students. For example, in 2019, Spelman College's president issued a public statement welcoming trans women to apply, showcasing institutional leadership on LGBTQ+ issues.
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In recent years, LGBTQ+ resource centers, like the one at Morehouse College, have been established, providing students access to mental health support, counseling, and community-building initiatives.



3.
Challenges With Acceptance
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Despite these advancements, Black Queer HBCU students still face challenges related to acceptance and discrimination. They often navigate complex intersections of race, gender, and sexual identity within traditionally conservative campus cultures.
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According to the Human Rights Campaign, many LGBTQ+ students still experience harassment and microaggressions, with some HBCUs being slower to implement inclusive policies compared to predominantly white institutions (PWIs).
4.
Mental Health Disparities
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Studies have shown that LGBTQ+ youth of color, particularly Black Queer students, are at a higher risk for mental health issues, including depression and anxiety, due to the compounded effects of racial and sexual minority stress. This makes access to affirming mental health resources even more critical on HBCU campuses.
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HBCUs with supportive LGBTQ+ policies and organizations can significantly improve mental health outcomes by creating safe environments where students feel seen and valued.


5.
Scholarship and Financial Assistance Gaps
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There is a lack of LGBTQ+-specific scholarships available to Black Queer students attending HBCUs, making financial assistance critical. Organizations like ours have stepped in to provide targeted support, but broader institutional backing is still needed to close the gap.
6.
HBCUs as Crucial Spaces for LGBTQ+ Leadership
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HBCUs have historically played an important role in fostering leadership among Black Queer students. Many notable Black LGBTQ+ activists and scholars, including luminaries such as Audre Lorde, began their activism in college, using HBCUs as platforms for change.
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Today, HBCUs continue to produce trailblazers like Mr. Spelman College, Mr. Morehouse College, and other openly LGBTQ+ student leaders who are reshaping campus culture.

7.
PrEP and Sexual Health Initiatives
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There is a growing emphasis on sexual health initiatives on HBCU campuses, specifically focused on HIV prevention and PrEP access. Black Queer men, who are disproportionately affected by HIV, benefit from programs like those run by the HBCU Center for Excellence in HIV, which provides resources for students and campus leaders to promote sexual health awareness.

8.
HBCU LGBTQ+ Scholarship Programs
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Scholarship programs such as the Human Rights Campaign Foundation’s HBCU Program and the work of organizations like ours have been instrumental in providing financial support to LGBTQ+ students attending HBCUs, helping them to persist in their academic pursuits.