Brian Michael Smith Black History Month Interview

What more should be done to combat Black queer and trans erasure?

Continue to platform us and provide the funding to the people who [need it]. So many of my peers have written amazing, incredible projects, and they just can’t get the funding. Stop pigeonholing our projects and saying that it’s “niche” or that “they’ll only reach a small audience.” When authentic stories are told, people connect to them. Whether it’s Pose or Kinky Boots, those projects were popular because people saw something that they needed to see about themselves, even though the characters’ experiences were very different.

Who are some other Black trans men that you feel deserve recognition for their work?

Tiq Milan is a motivational speaker who has done a lot for others. Jevon Martin is an advocate who’s been working for years in New York, helping build community in the ballroom scene. Marquise Vilsón is another trans man who is active in the ballroom scene. He’s also an actor and uses his visibility to bring attention to the issues that matter.

Who is your Black queer icon?

Laverne Cox. She was a model for what’s possible in terms of storytelling, and using her voice, beyond her work. She puts other people on. She’ll executive produce other people’s projects to ensure people have opportunities and platforms.

What do you want your contributions to Black history to be?

I want my contributions to reflect that Black trans men are working for the same rights as other Black people. Whether it’s through the artists, advocacy, or just showing up to work, and providing for our families. We are a part of the fabric of Black people, and our voices matter, too.

Thanks for chatting with us, Brian! Be sure to keep up with Brian Michael Smith here.

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