The intersection between Black women and the LGBTQ+ community is deeply rooted, not just in shared experiences of marginalization, but in the collective fight for health, humanity, and dignity. The Black Women’s Health Imperative (BWHI) serves as a bridge between many communities, helping to create space for connection, shared advocacy, and culturally responsive care.
Founded on the campus of Spelman College in 1983, trailblazer Byllye Y. Avery gathered over 2,000 women fueled by a revolutionary idea: that Black women deserved a health movement of their own. What began as a historic call to action has grown into a leading national nonprofit solely dedicated to addressing the most critical health issues affecting Black women and girls through innovative programs, transformative research, and life-saving policies.
“It’s troubling to see how deeply health has become politicized in today’s climate,” said Lisa Cunningham, Interim Co-President and EVP of Marketing and Communications of BWHI. “We believe health equity starts by recognizing the full humanity of every person and that means creating space, resources, and a higher standard of care for Black women across the spectrum of gender identity, experience, and expression.”
BWHI’s award-winning HIV prevention initiative, I Am HIV Possible, is designed to reach both cisgender and transgender women with affirming, community-based education and resources. The program centers the lived experiences of those most at risk and promotes early testing, access to care like taking PrEP, and linkage to support without stigma.
“Even as our work continues, national policy shifts are putting essential care at risk in lasting ways,” Cunningham said. “The so-called ‘Big Beautiful Bill’ includes harmful rollbacks that could restrict access to care for women, LGBTQ+ individuals, veterans, rural communities, and people living with disabilities. One of the most concerning outcomes is the projected loss of Medicaid coverage for more than 15 million Americans. That is not just a statistic, that’s people losing the care they rely on to survive.”
Despite these challenges, BWHI remains committed to pushing forward. The organization continues to affirm people where they are, honor who they are, and equip them with the knowledge and confidence to advocate for themselves and their communities. To learn more about how you can get involved, visit BWHI.org.