Thirty five years ago, before we were on the internet. before social media became popular, before we had cell phones, and before texting became a thing, in Los Angeles, a group of intrepid women created a community called United Lesbians of African Heritage (ULOAH).

This group proudly stated that their mission was, "To make the world safe for Black Lesbians."

From 1989 to 2005, ULOAH held numerous events throughout the Southland, but was known best for her signature event, a weekend retreat called, SISTAHfest, in which thousands participated from the Los Angeles area, from all over California, from almost every state, and from overseas!

After ULOAH sunsetted, BLU was formed in 2009, taking up the mantle, still creating community, and safe spaces for our family.

It's time that our story be told.

Thanks to the Mazer Lesbian Archive and the City of West Hollywood, we'll have that opportunity.

Be prepared to laugh, cry, or just be amazed at how a group of intrepid women used every resource available to them to create something what was unimaginable to most 35 years ago.

If you're in the L.A. Area, join us on February 24th at 2pm, in West Hollywood for this free event, and experience the story of these organizations through images, documents, archived materials, but most importantly, through our personal stories, memories and experiences! Who knows, you might see yourself in one of the photos or videos...

When Tracy Chapman appeared onstage last Sunday during the Grammys, it was if you could feel the emotion washing over the planet... There she is... looking regal, sage, wise, calm, happy, peaceful... and of course, sounding amazing. Sistahs and Bristahs from all over exhaled... not even realizing we've been holding our breaths all of these years. Those of us who were of age in 1988 knew that she was our queen. That she was one of us. That she was amazing, beautiful, strong, and gutsy. She was unlike any other... She made it okay for many of us to be us. Some of us, who were very young back in the 80's are seeing Tracy for who she is... for the first time. When they were told that she was ugly, that she wasn't womanly, that she was too dark... they believed it... Sunday the veil was lifted for so many. Still, others... the under 40's set, or those in a coma in the eighties... had their first Tracy Chapman experience watching the show... or all of the video clips that followed.

That said... we all tingled a bit. We all stood up a bit taller. The 2024 Grammys tried to have a moment for everyone with Stevie, SZA, Billie, Burna Boy, Joni Mitchell, Miley, Dua, Fantasia and even Billy Joel...

But this moment was all ours. And many of us cried.

Enjoy the video, and a few Tracy focused articles below...

Out Magazine posted an article about significant wins by Queer women during this year's Grammys. Miley Cyrus, Billie Eilish, Victoria Monét, boygenius, Brandy Clark, Brandi Carlile, and Allison Russell all walked away winners this season... However, there has been much pushback online from some, saying that some no longer qualify as Queer... as Miley was there with her boyfriend, and Victoria showed up on the red carpet as one person said it... "complete with her nuclear family... a baby, and a boyfriend/baby daddy."

Let's discuss... We, in our LBGTQ+ family, and especially at BLU have a pretty inclusive family structure. If you're openly Bisexual or Pansexual (or Omni or Demi)... should you lose your LGBTQ card (and flag) if you're not in a queer presenting relationship? Divisiveness like this seems to invalidate the nature and eliminate the beauty of what it is to be in the LGBTQ+ family or being somewhere on the Queer spectrum. The ability to be exactly who we are is what makes us special.

It's better said from someone with lived experience...

From the article "Allison Russell Gives a Voice to Queer Folks and Survivors"

It has become more important to me as I get older to honor those friends of our youth and loved ones of our youth and lovers of our youth who helped shape us and in this case, she [a lover from her youth] literally saved my life. And I wanted her to know that. I also wanted to acknowledge that I am a queer person who is now in a straight passing life and marriage. I fall in the middle of the spectrum of orientation. I’ve been in love with women and I’ve been in love with men and I’ve been in love with trans people and I’ve been in love with non-binary people. I wound up falling in love and committing to share a life with a man, my husband.

One could assume that I’m straight, but I am not and especially in this time of increased polarization and bigotry, it is really important that people understand that nothing is black and white. Nothing is simple and you can’t assume that because I am married to a man and I have a child that I am a straight person. You can’t say homophobic things to me and have it pass. Part of me wanted to really acknowledge that publicly. I am grateful. I don’t get to be here singing today and having my child and my family if it wasn’t for that first love.

She taught me how to love and that it was possible.

She taught me about kindness and unconditional love.

She taught me about acceptance, courage and bravery.

~Allison Russell

Jessica Betts and Neicy Nash-Betts looking lovely as always...

And Lastly... There's the...

Of Course I'm a Fem Podcast.

We don't know these ladies... but they started a podcast this week, so we thought we'd give them a shoutout...

From their website...

Join Bri and Dre on 'Of Course I'm a Fem,' an unapologetic podcast hosted by two fabulous feminine-presenting lesbians as they delve into the world of relationships (romantic, familial, and platonic). With humor, authenticity, and a dash of sass, Bri and Dre share their personal experiences, explore the intricacies of femme identity, and navigate the colorful tapestry of love, relationships, and self-discovery. 'Of Course I'm a Fem' is your go-to destination for candid conversations about the highs and lows of being femme and fabulous in today's world.

If you have a chance to give them a listen... send us an email and tell us what you think!

And... If you happen to know them... Tell them that we wish them well and to drop us a line!

Thank you to those who have already donated! Your donations keep us afloat, and being able to provide programming and content such as this!

With rising costs everywhere, and a new venue, the cost of running the retreat in 2023 was twice the cost of putting on our 2019 retreat!

And... almost 40% of our attendees came at reduced or no cost. We could really use your help in getting the ball rolling this year!

Thanks in advance for helping BLU provide for our community!

We have four methods for you:

Venmo: @blunited   

PayPal: www.blacklesbiansunited.com/paypal/

Zelle: info@blacklesbiansunited.org

Or just email us and we can set something up!  All donations are tax-deductible!