In our work and in our living, we must recognize that difference is a reason for celebration and growth, rather than a reason for destruction.
Audre Lorde
My time with Jewelle dates back to my childhood. She is my first cousins oldest sisters wife. Family. We haven’t seen each other much over the years, but her memory of cheetah filled black femme elegance radiates out from her every pore.
Jewelle’s work surpasses the landscape of activist, witch, renegade, original. She had no trouble choosing the death card. It came naturally to them, it was what was inherently something they had leaned into. Being raised by her Great-Grandmother, growing up with her ancestral wisdom ran through her veins.
Jewelle has lived 71 rotations around the sun, and is the first elder I have had the sincere privilege of recording for this episode
A historical fiction writer and feminist futurist, Jewelle has written 8 books, and The Gilda Stories has been in print for almost 30 years. Their work in the LGBTQ community is vast, from being present for the Stonewall Riots to marriage equality. She grew up around social movements such as the civil rights movement, black power movement, anti war movement. The roots of social activism were a daily part of life’s experience. She enjoys reflecting on periods of herstory, and bringing light from other generations.
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