On making critical connections to the long legacies of intraracial and cross-racial Black and Asian American lesbian organizing and community building. Ever since I was a child, I always had this insatiable curiosity for the past. My grandmother and I would burst into uncontrollable laughter as she shared with me the memories and stories behind those photos. It would lead me to the archives.

To ensure that we're moving towards LGBTQ equality, it's so important we listen to the voices of the people who've historically been excluded from our communities. This number rises to 61 per cent for black LGBT people. This can lead to isolation, loneliness, and poor mental health, on top of the direct impact of the racism, discrimination and violence they may experience. This concept is the idea that, if you experience any small amount of racial discourse, it will prompt a defensive attitude sparking reactions like fear and guilt. This occurs not only when racism is witnessed but also when someone cannot reconcile their own privilege.

Need help? Although lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans and queer identified LGBTQ people are as diverse as the general Canadian population in their experiences of mental health and well-being, they face higher risks for some mental health issues due to the effects of discrimination and the social determinants of health. Socio-economic factors or determinants play a key role in mental health and wellbeing for all of us, and are particularly important for marginalized populations. Three significant determinants of positive mental health and wellbeing are: social inclusion; freedom from discrimination and violence; and access to economic resources i. LGBTQ people experience stigma and discrimination across their life spans, and are targets of sexual and physical assault, harassment and hate crimes iii.