A pioneer in the intersectional fight for rights and equality: Audre Lorde

Audre Lorde (1934-1992) was a Caribbean-American writer, poet, and feminist and queer activist whose work is considered to be revolutionary in terms of its intersectional approach to social justice.
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Lorde is best known for her groundbreaking essays and books, which explored the complexities of power and identity in an oppressive patriarchal society.

She is remembered for her powerful words on race, gender, sexuality, and womanhood, as well as her unwavering commitment to justice.   From her early activism in the 1960s, Lorde was a vocal advocate for civil rights and women's liberation. She was an early proponent of intersectional feminism, which acknowledges the overlapping social identities and experiences of individuals.

Lorde argued that the feminism of the 1960s was too narrowly focused on white, middle-class women and was thus exclusionary of the experiences of women. Her writings and activism helped to broaden the scope of the women's movement and to make it more inclusive.

In her later years, Lorde continued to be a passionate advocate for queer rights and the empowerment of LGBTQ+ individuals. She was an early supporter of the Gay Liberation Movement and an outspoken critic of homophobia. Lorde was also a vocal opponent of the Age of Consent laws, which she argued were oppressive and discriminatory.

Her groundbreaking speech "The Transformation of Silence into Language and Action" is considered to be one of the most important works of the gay liberation movement.  

Lorde's legacy remains relevant today as her work continues to inspire and inform the work of feminist and queer activists. Her intersectional approach to activism and her commitment to challenging oppressive systems still resonates with activists around the world. Lorde's work was a beacon of hope for many, and her words continue to be a source of inspiration to activists and writers alike.  

In her honor, the Audre Lorde Project was founded in 1994 to provide support to lesbian, gay, bisexual, two-spirit, and transgender people of color. The project works to build community and foster collective power among its members. The Audre Lorde Project continues to serve as a powerful reminder of Lorde's legacy and her commitment to justice and liberation.

Copyright Dagmar Schultz

Courtesy of the Lorde-Rollins Family