Justice Smith is showing solidarity for Black lives-queer, and trans lives in a powerful call to action. On Friday, the 24-years of age All the bright Places star came out as queer in an Instagram post about the importance of supporting all Black lives. He also shared that it is coming out The Queen Of Sugar‘s Nicholas Ashe. “@nckash and I protested today in New Orleans. We sang ‘Trans Lives Matter’ ‘Black Queer Lives Matter’, ‘All Black Lives Matter,'” Justice subtitles of a gallery with a clip from the month of march, as well as pictures of him and Nicholas. “As a black queer man, I was disappointed to see certain people wanting to say Black Lives Matter, but hold your tongue when Trans and Queer was added.”
He went on to highlight the importance of recognizing the nuances of Black experiences. “I want to reiterate this sentiment:” if the revolution does not include the Black Queer voices, that it is anti-black,” he said. “If the revolution is in agreement with letting the black of trans people as #TonyMcDade slip through the cracks in the sole purpose of freeing the black cishet men, is anti-black. You are trying to push himself through the door of a system designed against you, and then shut the door behind you.”
The justice also shared why supporting Black LGBTQ+ life is crucial in the struggle for social justice, adding, “it’s in our conditioning to get as close to the whiteness, the straightness, masculinity as we can, because that is where the power is. And if we appeal to that, maybe give us a slice. But the revolution is not about appeal. It is demanding what should have been given from the beginning. What should have been given to a black, queer, and trans people from the beginning. That is the right to exist. To live and thrive in public. Without fear of persecution or threat of violence”. Ended with a sweet note to Nicholas, writing, “You have been my rock and guiding light through all of this and I love you so much. I know that on the other side of this Is the change, despite the fact that the fight is far from over.”
The actor powerful statement came in the midst of all the world calls for justice and accountability after the death of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, and Ahmaud Arbery. While the authors in George and Ahmaud cases face charges, officials involved in the murder of Breonna still have not stopped. Ahead, read Justice Instagram full post and to learn more about how you can take action.
Image Source: Getty / Keith Tsuji
