Today we’d like to introduce you to Shaunya Thomas.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Shaunya. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
“Where are the queer women of color?” Is the question asked constantly when I encountered QWOC at gay clubs or events within Boston and the greater Boston area. I realized while serving my Black and Latino gay brethren, there was limited momentum surrounding creating spaces for queer women of color. My focus shifted to address the disparities of qwoc resources and spaces.
In 2008, I began organizing on the North Shore to build community with other lesbians in the area. I quickly learned, although fun, this endeavor lacked the connection and fellowship I envisioned for my community. There was definitely a barrier that I know now centers around race and class. The lack of representation of other lesbians of color left me feeling empty and unfulfilled.
After finding other meetups and organization dedicated to queer women and people of color and a conversations and connections, I didn’t have to try to “fit in” which is what I would do everyday going to work; I could just be myself with folks who shared the same experiences and challenges due to intersectionality’s, and navigating straight, non-people of color (poc) hetero normative arenas. I knew only other qwoc would understand the significance of convening in affirming, safe and, privilege free spaces. Through some trials, the Lesbians of Color Symposium (LOCS) Collective was launched in 2012, and now in our seventh year we are still building off the success of the previous years to bring the non-binary, lesbians, bisexuals, queer and transgender women of color and our allies together to celebrate, empower and uplift our vibrant community and provide a platform to amplify our voices and magnify our visibility.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
There have been many challenges, but establishing consistent funding and building authentic relationships with people who may or may not share the same visions and passions for supporting underrepresented queer communities of color are at the top. Furthermore, developing and implementing programming that is inclusive, diverse and affirming that ensures non-binary, LBTQ of color know that I am committed to building and sustaining our community.
In addition, knowing when I should take a self-care and wellness break to reboot to combat anxiety.
So, as you know, we’re impressed with Lesbians of Color Symposium (LOCS) Collective, Inc. – tell our readers more, for example what you’re most proud of as a company and what sets you apart from others.
I am the co-founder and CEO of Lesbians of Color Symposium (LOCS) Collective. Established in 2012, the LOCS Collective is dedicated to building community and cultivating resources for LBTQ women, non-binary people of color and our allies through networking, programming and engagement. . In addition, we host annual symposia dedicated to celebrating and empowering our community. The 7th Annual LOCS is Saturday, March 9, 2019 at Harvard Law School.
So, what’s next? Any big plans?
To further my passion for magnifying visibility and amplifying voices for LBTQ women and non-binary people of color, I am producing and directing a documentary called UnCommonwealth that highlights the lives and relationships of queer women of color in the Massachusetts. Also, I am curating the Inaugural Melanin Pride Festival which will be held this fall, October 12-14, 2018. The MPF is a weekend of LGBTQ people of color films, performances and arts dedicated to increasing our visibility in mainstream media.
Pricing:
- Melanin Pride Festival Weekend Pass $50 – $75
- 2019 Lesbians of Color Symposium $30 – $50
Contact Info:
- Website: www.locscollective.org
- Email: info@locscollective.org
- Instagram: Locs_collective
- Facebook: LOCSCollective
- Twitter: Locs_pride
Image Credit:
Safe Word Society
PhotographyxTara
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