An interview with Professor Kaila Adia Story about her book The Rainbow Ain’t Never Been Enough, challenges the pervasive myth of a unified, cohesive LGBTQ+ community. Dr. Story argues that queer spaces are often as racist and transphobic as any other, recalling an instance where she was targeted with a racial slur in a gay bar.
Professor Story explains that the myth of solidarity was fostered by mainstream media, particularly during the marriage equality campaign, which predominantly centered on cisgender, white, often interracial couples while erasing Black and trans queer stories. This narrative allows cisgender white LGBTQ+ people to feel absolved of the responsibility to authentically advocate for trans people and queer people of color.
Professor Story points out the hypocrisy of cis gay individuals not showing up for trans causes with the same fervor they did for issues like marriage equality or protecting drag. She stresses that all issues—from reproductive justice to war—are LGBTQIA issues, as queer people exist in every community.
She urges cis white gay people to move beyond being “allies” to become “accomplices,” meaning they must use their privilege to confront bigotry within their own families and communities. The work is psychologically and emotionally burdensome, but essential for the survival and liberation of all members of the community, especially trans and nonbinary siblings.
