About

This site is a part of my own coming out story, as I founded OutSpoken Noire out of need. I came out later in life at almost 30 years old, and upon finally recognizing myself as a Black lesbian, also realized I had no idea where to start in learning about this community to which I now knew I belonged.

Lots of internet research, finding in-person community, online community, and considerable  Black “celesbian” YouTube channel-viewing later I decided I still wanted to learn more. Not only did I want to hear more about the individual journeys of Black lesbians, but felt that a deeper understanding of the intricacies of coming out would likely be helpful to other newbies just stepping into this part of their identity in knowing what to expect, what questions will come up, and how none of this reckoning with identity is straightforward or prescriptive.

A bit more thinking and some conversations with other folks in the community led me to want to record these stories somewhere for posterity’s sake. For newbies, for lifelong lesbians, for those still trying to decide if “lesbian” is even the identity that fits, for elders – it is important to have an archive of our stories told directly from our mouths as Black lesbians.

I hope this site serves as a home, a source of joy, a salve, a mirror – whatever you need, but above all else, I hope this site is VALIDATING. I hope you come away from this site feeling seen, and that you recognize the importance of your own story.

Thanks for finding your way here, and lots of love from your fellow Black Lesbian,

Courtney