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In the late 60s, when Lorde published her first book of poetry, T
he First
Cities (1968),
being black, a woman, and gay was incredibly dangerous. There was racism, sexism and
homophobia around every corner. In New York, people in the gay community or the African
American community were still discriminated against every day. When Audre Lorde stepped into
the picture, she changed everything. She fought for womens rights, gay rights and for African
American rights. She was not afraid to say what she believed in, and she always stood up for
herself and for those who couldnt.
Audre lorde was born in Harlem, New York City, February 18, 1934 just after the great
depression had ended. Being born during a very segregated time period, she decided to
become an activist for feminism, womanism, and civil rights, that however is not all. She was
also a mother and a poet. Audre Lorde believed strongly in these topics and used poems to
empower them. She also has said thing such as Anger is loaded with information and energy,
Audre lorde and it is not our differences that divide us. It is our inability to recognize, accept,
and celebrate those differences. These quotes really express what she was feeling during the
time that Audre said them.
The issue is that during this time there were not many people were standing up for
african american lives especially that there were not a lot of black lesbian feminist during the
time in new york. Audre Lorde used her writing to embrace what she believed in and to fight the
issues she was facing or had faced. Audre has said When I dare to be powerfulto use my
strength in the service of my vision, then it becomes less and less important whether I am
afraid.2 this is a quote that says that she will not be afraid and not give up on something she
feels strong about. audre has also said " I have come to believe over and over again that what is
most important to me must be spoken, made verbal and shared, even at the risk of having it
bruised or misunderstood."3 Audre was saying that she would not be silenced and has the
freedom of speech and will say whatever she wants as long as she truly believes in it.
1
2
3
http://www.english.illinois.edu/maps/poets/g_l/lorde/life.htm
http://www.unm.edu/~erbaugh/Wmst200spr03/bios/Lorde.htm
http://www.unm.edu/~erbaugh/Wmst200spr03/bios/Lorde.htm