Understand the LGBTQIA+ news: Black, queer and trans people of colour are still practically invisible - let’s fix that

If you want something done, then go to a man who's helped decriminalise being gay in six countries - and is well on his way to doing it in a seventh.

Human Rights Defender Jason Jones, who grew up in Trinidad and Tobago, gets it done. But since he moved to the UK, he set his sights on changing the country he left to protect his safety - and helping the queer community all over the Caribbean to no longer face the injustices he had to endure.

So we're proud to welcome him as QueerAF's UK Black History Month guest editor.

This year's theme is Reclaiming Narratives. It's about "taking control of our stories, celebrating our heritage, and ensuring our voices are heard."

Together we've developed a dedicated series of think pieces as part of the Queer Gaze - our landmark writing scheme - but focused on articles by Black, queer emerging writers and journalists.

Over the past few weeks, we've been working with four Black queer creatives to bring you unique perspectives throughout this month.

At QueerAF, we're obsessed with journalism and storytelling that puts lived experience in the driving seat. And in working with Jason's encyclopaedic knowledge, lived experience and expertise, we've been able to bring you something very special. His care and dedicated time to working with these creatives has created far more enriched journalism than we would have on our own.

As Jason sets out in his article this week, as we look ahead to the rest of the month, tackling the racism that blights the lives of Queer Trans Intersex People Of Colour (QTIPOC) people needs to start at home. That means here in the UK, and here in our community.

He's also written this week's spotlight section and senses to bring you some essential content to enjoy, learn and grow with this month.

Right, let's get into it! Thank you again to Jason Jones - and look out for articles from Nathanael James Brathwaite, Kenya Jay Scarlett, Damisola Sulaiman and Darkwah Kyei-Darkwah this month.

Understand the LGBTQIA+ headlines and keep track of the latest queer content and perspectives. This week QueerAF's is written by Jason Jones, Jamie Wareham and Nathanael James Brathwaite.

💬 This week:

• Practically Invisible: UK Black History Month guest editor Jason Jones reflects on the genesis of their activism and what needs to be done for QTIPOC people in the UK and across the world.
• Rosie Duffield: A name that's synonymous with transphobia in the Labour Party quit this week; we help you understand why.
• Between the Pulpit and Pride: Nathanael James Brathwaite reflects on his experiences of navigating his queerness and faith in Black Christian communities in this week’s Queer Gaze. 

Skip the doomscrolling and support queer creatives instead. We are QueerAF – and so are you.

Black, queer and trans people of colour are still practically invisible - let’s fix that

Jason Jones is a Queer human rights activist from Trinidad & Tobago who successfully challenged and removed the British Colonial Era laws that criminalised LGBTQ+ people in the Caribbean - and this October, he’s QueerAF's UK Black History Month guest editor.