Lizzo’s Pride Performance Signals a Shift: Why Centering Black Trans Women is the Future of Advocacy
Visibility saves lives, but who gets that visibility matters. Lizzo’s powerful tribute to Black transgender women at WeHo Pride wasn’t just a moment of allyship; it was a strategic acknowledgement of the foundational role these women have played – and continue to play – in the fight for LGBTQIA+ liberation. And it’s a signal that future advocacy, and even marketing, will increasingly demand centering the most marginalized voices within marginalized communities, or risk accusations of performative activism.
The Historical Debt: Why Black Trans Women Must Lead
Lizzo’s words – “without their fight, we wouldn’t be able to celebrate today” – resonate deeply with the history of the Pride movement. Marsha P. Johnson and Sylvia Rivera, Black transgender activists, were pivotal figures in the Stonewall Riots, often credited with sparking the modern LGBTQ+ rights movement. Yet, despite this foundational role, Black trans women continue to face disproportionately high rates of violence, discrimination, and economic hardship. According to a 2022 report by the Human Rights Campaign, Black transgender women face a life expectancy of just 35 years. This stark reality underscores the urgent need for sustained, focused support and, crucially, leadership.
This isn’t simply about historical recognition. Centering Black trans women in advocacy efforts is strategically vital. Their experiences are often at the intersection of multiple forms of oppression – racism, transphobia, sexism, and classism – giving them a unique and crucial perspective on systemic injustice. Their leadership isn’t just morally right; it’s the most effective path toward truly inclusive liberation.
Beyond Pride: The Expanding Demand for Authentic Allyship
Lizzo’s gesture extends beyond a single performance. It reflects a growing expectation – particularly among Gen Z and younger Millennials – for brands and public figures to demonstrate genuine commitment to social justice. Consumers are increasingly savvy and can quickly identify performative allyship, often met with swift backlash. The rise of “cancel culture” isn’t simply about punishment; it’s a demand for accountability.
We’re already seeing this play out in marketing. Companies that previously engaged in rainbow-washing during Pride month are now facing increased scrutiny. Authentic allyship requires not just financial donations, but also actively amplifying the voices of marginalized communities, ceding leadership positions, and addressing internal inequities. This means going beyond surface-level representation and investing in long-term, systemic change.
The “Whim Whammie” Remix & the Power of Platform
Interestingly, Lizzo’s recent remix of PlutoNotDaBratt’s viral track “Whim Whammie” also speaks to this trend. While the song itself is a celebration of self-confidence and female empowerment, Lizzo’s decision to collaborate with an up-and-coming artist like PlutoNotDaBratt – and the subsequent buzz surrounding the unreleased streaming version – demonstrates a willingness to use her platform to elevate emerging talent. The drama surrounding Latto’s initial involvement, and her subsequent withdrawal, highlights the complexities of navigating these collaborations and the importance of respecting artistic agency.
The Future of Advocacy: Intersectionality as the Norm
The future of effective advocacy isn’t about adding diversity as an afterthought; it’s about building movements from the ground up that are inherently intersectional. This means recognizing that different forms of oppression are interconnected and that solutions must address the root causes of systemic injustice. Lizzo’s performance, and her broader commitment to inclusivity, offers a blueprint for how to move forward.
This shift will also impact data collection and analysis. Organizations will need to move beyond broad demographic categories and collect more granular data on the experiences of specific subgroups within the LGBTQIA+ community – particularly Black trans women – to better understand their needs and tailor interventions accordingly. The Williams Institute at UCLA School of Law provides valuable research on this topic.
What are your predictions for the evolution of LGBTQIA+ advocacy and the role of intersectionality? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
