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Smash the Backlash: LGBT+ rights campaigning in Haringey - LSE History

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Smash the Backlash: LGBT+ rights campaigning in Haringey - LSE History

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This article on LGBT rights campaigning in Haringey doesn’t just document this kind of backlash it reveals something quieter and more unsettling: how easily narratives can be redirected, reframed, or diluted once they move through institutional channels.

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LSE History - Explore the history of LSE

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Smash the Backlash was a demonstration held on 2 May 1987 which saw 3,500 people march through Haringey in North London to protest against racism and anti-gay bigotry. The march was one of the first UK demos to specifically highlight the experiences of the Black LGBT+ community. LSE Library's Emma Pizarro shares the story behind the protest using material from the Hall-Carpenter Archives at LSE.
The organisers of Smash the Backlash sought to mobilise support for lesbian and gay rights and called for solidarity with the struggles of other minoritised people facing discrimination. They produced leaflets to advertise - and explain the reason for - the demonstration.

Smash the Backlash was led by two local community groups, Haringey Black Action and Positive Images. They joined together to organise the protest, with support from Haringey Council's Lesbian and Gay Unit.

Haringey Council's Lesbian and Gay Unit had been set up in 1986, the year before the Smash the Backlash demonstration. The Labour council in Haringey had made a manifesto commitment to provide equal opportunities for LGBT+ people and Council leader Bernie Grant pledged "to give lesbians and gay men a voice like everyone else". Consultations with the LGBT+ community were held and following continued lobbying from local campaigners, the Council opened its Lesbian and Gay Unit - the first of its kind in the country. A number of staff working in the Unit were also involved with the pioneering Black Lesbian and Gay Centre project.

In a wider climate of homophobia and anti-AIDS prejudice, the Haringey Council Lesbian and Gay Unit aimed to address institutionalised discrimination against LGBT+ people. They established sub-groups in order to give emphasis to the most disadvantaged within the community and to ensure the involvement of those frequently excluded from decision making, particularly Black and minority ethnic lesbians and gay men, those unemployed or with disabilities.

Haringey Council aimed to implement more inclusive polices, such as representing positive images of LGBT+ lives in education. However their efforts were met with resistance from some groups in the borough, including the Tottenham Conservative Association and the newly formed Parents' Rights Group, who criticised the proposals as a waste of money. These groups also framed the promotion of gay equality in schools as a threat to the stability of the heterosexual family unit. This selection of leaflets from LSE Library archives show the mounting tensions in Haringey, and the national media coverage it received.

The Positive Images group was launched by members of the Haringey community to counter negative views about LGBT+ people and show support for progressive policies. In a press release issued to explain their grass-roots campaign to challenge heterosexism, Positive Images stated that "Lesbianism and gayness is a positive expression of sexuality and lifestyle, not a perversion or illness."

The local row caught media attention and Haringey Council's plan for increased LGBT+ representation in education was raised as a question in the House of Lords in July 1986. Those supporting the Council's proposals felt that unfounded panic and outrage was fuelled by inaccurate reporting, contributing to a national backlash against lesbians and gays.

The Haringey Black Action group had been campaigning in Black communities for LGBT+ rights. They spoke out against efforts by conservative and religious groups to divide the Black community over homosexuality and accused some Black organisations of using the issue to create fear and confusion, rather than coming up with real ways to fight racism.

Following months of growing tensions in Haringey, Haringey Black Action began planning the Smash the Backlash demo in conjunction with Positive Images. Haringey Black Action also encouraged the involvement of other local organisers and groups in the protest, such as the Broadwater Farm Defence Campaign. Smash the Backlash was one of the first UK demonstrations to specifically highlight the experiences of the Black LGBT+ community.

Over 3,500 joined the Smash the Backlash demonstration on 2 May 1987, marching through Haringey to protest against racism and anti-gay bigotry. Today the Smash the Backlash protest is commemorated with a plaque and rainbow crossing in Haringey, placed along the route which the march took from Turnpike Lane to Bruce Castle Park.

This material is drawn from various ephemera collections within the Hall-Carpenter Archives, which are open to all. Come and be inspired!

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Posted In: Black History Month | LGBTQ+ History | Local London history | LSE Library

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Smash the Backlash: LGBT+ rights campaigning in Haringey - LSE History

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On 2 May 1987 3,500 people marched through North London, in the Smash the Backlash demonstration. They were protesting against the racist and anti-gay outcry at the Council's plans for LGBT inclusion.

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From the ULOAH/BLU Archives, LA

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“We Don’t Have to Boo It:” UT’s Black Lesbian Student Government President

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“We Don’t Have to Boo It:” UT’s Black Lesbian Student Government President

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“The first time Luckett’s name appears in the Daily Texan is January 23, 1990. A photo pictures Luckett, front and center, fist raised, marching alongside other pro-choice activists at a rally that marked the anniversary of Roe v Wade. The caption identifies her as “Toni Luckett, an Afro-American studies major.” She is not “soon-to-be-President Luckett”, not “leader.” Yet among the eight people running for president, Luckett’s platform looked different from the beginning.

Among her primary concerns were “class availability,” “divestment from South Africa,” “issues of race, class, student empowerment,” and “equalizing research & teaching.” None of these were tremendously radical, and according to the Texan, her points aligned quite well with the general concerns of the student body.

What set her apart were her qualifications, her methods, and of course, her identities. While many students had experience in student government and majors in government, law, or economics, Luckett had a different set of skills. She is the only African and African-American Studies major represented, and her activities included the Rainbow Coalition and Ebony Connection.

She was also listed as a community organizer for Jesse Jackson and the Democratic Party. Her platform focused on gathering student support and pressuring the administration. She wanted to work outside the confines of the established avenues for student input.

When she is jointly endorsed by the Daily Texan (along with David Ritchie), the writer has to stipulate that Luckett did not seek their endorsement as “she wanted a populist campaign, not influenced by existing institutions.” The article says “conventions don’t bind Luckett” and “Luckett has the fire to take the SA a step beyond the institution it is and make it into a true student coalition.”

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we don’t have to boo it—we just have to take it – QT Voices

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Bryanna Boyd looks at the election of Toni Luckett, UT’s first Black, Lesbian, student-body president in 1990.

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Scissors: A QTBIPOC Lesbian Zine (Philly, 2024 - Present)

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Scissors: A QTBIPOC Lesbian Zine (Philly, 2024 - Present)

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Founded in February of 2024, by a Black lesbian and Philly native, Imani (they/them) along with co-founders Sol, Parv & Aurelio. They created Scissors as a love letter to their communities.

Scissors is a bi-annual lesbian zine made by and for Black Lesbians and lesbians of color. Modeled off of Philly-based Black lesbian newspapers like "the Griot Press", Scissors publishes mutual aids, classifieds (housing, missed connections, employment), astrology, local news, interviews and poetry/essays/visual media around that edition's theme.

Previous themes have included:

Living Dyke Archive (2025): How does the triumphs and struggles of Black Lesbians and lesbians of color in Philadelphia compare to those in the 90's? Archival research supported by the William Way LGBT+ Center and the Lesbian Herstory Archives.

Knitting Generations Together: Fiber Arts and Continuing Culture (2024): What are the inheritances our elders and ancestors have left for us? Gifts, curses or a mix of both? Stories weaved together through braiding hair, sweet grass and yarn.

Celebrating Four Years of Cronavrus, Genoc*de, and Cognitive Dissonance (2024): How has Covid-19 affected the lives of Black lesbians and lesbians of color within Philadelphia?

The Homoerotic Best Friend That Every Lesbian Has But Ends Up Changing the Trajectory of Your Life (2024): The first inaugural issue of Scissors introducing the team and project to the community via love stories. "It's an exploration into what it means to confront yourself through homo-erotism, the loss of innocence, and (possibly) your first heartbreak. Starting with this theme was a way for us to explore our own experiences and also tie them to a larger, communal, experience."

Scissors is still an ongoing project and can be found on Substack, Instagram and Patreon.

They are accepting submissions for their 5th edition: Gaydar. An issue that explores the visibility and invisibility of lesbianism during the current climate of censorship and fascism. More information can be found here. Deadline: Sunday, October 26th at 11:59 pm EST

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An androgynous reinterpretation of dandyism and black academia

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An androgynous reinterpretation of dandyism and black academia

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Inspired by the quiet rebellion of dandyism and the legacy of Black intellectualism, it bends binaries and reclaims space where style and scholarship meet. Every tailored line, every movement is a footnote in a larger thesis: that identity is both performance and truth for masculine presenting black lesbians.

What are your thoughts?

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LOOKOUT NOTTINGHAMSHIRE Oct/November 1996 

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LOOKOUT NOTTINGHAMSHIRE Oct/November 1996 

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From the collections of the Sparrows' Nest Library and Archive.

Lookout! #01
Information for Lesbians in Nottinghamshire
Published Sep-Nov 1996.
Published by Nottingham Lesbian Centre.

Magazine/Journal/Paper/etc
Section Digital Only
English
Thank you to Nottingham Rainbow Heritage to allowing us access to these records.
Originally at http://www.thesparrowsnest.org.uk/collections/public_archive/9641.pdf

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Onyx: Black Lesbian Newsletter Oct/Nov 1983

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Onyx: Black Lesbian Newsletter Oct/Nov 1983

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Onyx: Black Lesbian Newsletter, October / November 1983. Volume II, Number 5. From the GLBT Historical Society, Periodicals Collection.

Articles: Staff, Outlets, Help!, Donations, "L.O.C Conference", "Writing as a Lesbian" by Cheryl Clarke, "They Sing Life into Their Music", "The Color Purple" reviewed by Sarita Johnson in 1983, Calendar, Classified, Subscribe!

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Black Lesbian Newsletter, October 1982 (later called Onyx)

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Black Lesbian Newsletter, October 1982 (later called Onyx)

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Black Lesbian Newsletter, October 1982 (later called Onyx). Volume 1, Number 4. From the GLBT Historical Society, Periodicals Collection.

Articles: Submissions, Outlets, "From Us to You" by the Black Lesbian Newsletter, "We Sound Like This", "Pass the Word" and "Songs of the Hummingbird" and "Changes" and "Wonder......ment" poems by Nedra Williams in 1980, Help Name the Newsletter - Contest, Donations, Announcements, Classified Ads, Subscriptions.

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Onyx: Black Lesbian Newsletter October/Novemeber 1984

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Onyx: Black Lesbian Newsletter October/Novemeber 1984

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Volume 3, Number 5. From the GLBT Historical Society, Periodicals Collection.

Articles: Staff, Outlets, "Passages" by Mayrann Turner in 1984 (continued from Aug./Sept. issue), "Open Letter to the Black Lesbian Community" by Helen L. Keller in 1984, "Spoken from the Heart" by Jamila A., Linda Strega and Bev Jo, and Vivienne Louise, "Today" by Avotcja, Classifieds, Calendar.

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Timeless Poem I Made to Keep in Archive Jordan’s Thoughts Original 

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Timeless Poem I Made to Keep in Archive Jordan’s Thoughts Original 

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She lies and plays and flirts and wastes time

Playing with hearts of girls she know they’ll never call her mine

Her lips speak of honestly and how she understands

But she doesn’t want me

She wants a man

Her eyes full of love

Her voice full of lust

Her hands hold mine

She lets me touch

one night of games for her

while I’m making future plans

Bc

She doesn’t want me

She wants a man

She lets me talk about me genuine and true

She lets me want her and pine and long

While she twists the truth

She lets me fly to her

Tell our families

And while boarding the plane to her and I happily land

She doesn’t want me

She wants a man

But all in all the lessons learned while

She’s on the search my bridge has burned

While the torch has been blown from my loving lamp

Im better having self love

In the end

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Introducing our new community platform: (You don't need an account to share!) 

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Introducing our new community platform: (You don't need an account to share!) 

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Padlet is a collaborative digital wall. A space where anyone can post, upload, and share memories, artifacts, and links that tell the story of Black lesbians across generations. Think of it as a mixtape, scrapbook, and zine wall rolled into one space.

There are 2 sections you can submit/post to: 1960s-1990s & 2000s & Beyond (Towards the Bottom)

The goal is to gather our stories here! Then each month, there will be a free compiled PDF file (via Substack - link below) for download and to print! So if you happen to be an archivist, want to share your own story, or share a story you came across, feel free to post it here!

What We’re Archiving Together:

We’re especially calling in Black Lesbian Memories and materials from the late 1960s through the 1990s the decades that shaped and sharpened our collective voice. There will also be a section for the current generation of Black Lesbians to post.

Here’s what you can post:

Photos of you or your elders from that era

Newspaper clippings or magazine covers

Journal entries, poems, or flyers

Oral histories, written stories, audio clips, or mixtapes

Web links to interviews, blog posts, or digital artifacts

Zines, manifestos, event posters, old letters

Fashion snapshots, house party pics, performance archives

And whatever else happens to come to mind!

More information here: https://open.substack.com/pub/blacklesbianarchives/p/introducing-our-community-archive?r=43bzqw&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web&showWelcomeOnShare=false

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Much love y’all

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Sharing here to keep the memories forever 

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Our representation matters !! ✊🏽❤️😌‼️

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Growing with the black lesbian webseries space was where I went for community. ( & the comments section) Amira Shaunice created New York Girls TV. Link to the webseries on YouTube: https://m.youtube.com/@NewYorkGirlsTV

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https://digitalarchives.broward.org/digital/collection/p16146coll20

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Photo of Audre Lorde and Barbara Smith taken at the 1990 I Am Your Sister conference in Boston. Photo by Vickie A. Smith

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here is the link to downloadable version: https://americanstudies.yale.edu/sites/default/files/files/Keyword%20Coalition_Readings.pdf

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JEMIMA Black Lesbian Writer's Workshop (1977)

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JEMIMA Black Lesbian Writer's Workshop (1977)

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The JEMIMA Writers Collective, the first Black lesbian writing group in NYC grew out of the Salsa Soul Sisters, the oldest Black lesbian organization in the United States. Members included Donna Allegra, Linda Brown, Charlene McCray, Irare Sabasu and Sapphire. Other writers groups that followed included The Gap-Toothed Girlfriends writers workshop.

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This issue of the monthly newsletter of the Sapphire Sapphos organization, "Sapphire Speaks" was edited by Black lesbian noted photographer, Leigh H. Mosley.

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Sapphire Sapphos, founded in 1979 by black lesbian Caryn Williams was one of--if not the--first cultural, social and political organizations by and for the Third World/Black Lesbian community in Washington DC.

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By Kiahra Read x Lesbian Herstory Archives

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In Them We All Exist: Black Lesbian Herstory in the Archives

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In Them We All Exist: Black Lesbian Herstory in the Archives

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I was sent this earlier this year but didn't get the chance to share! Thanks Kiahra! Beautiful work here!

"In celebration of the 50th anniversary of the Lesbian Herstory Archives and the 25th anniversary of the Schomburg Center’s In The Life Archive, Digital Schomburg is thrilled to share our dual-publication, digital flipbook and limited edition printed zine, In Them We All Exist: Reflections and Resources on Black Lesbian Herstory in the Archives."

Visit here for more information: https://www.digitalschomburg.org/inthemweallexist

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Meet the woman who brought Dallas’ black LGBTQ community together.

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"She moved to Dallas from Fayetteville, Arkansas, in 1979, and by January 1980, she was bartending at a gay club here.

It was the beginning of a decades-long career in nightlife that would put her at the center of the Dallas gay community and set her on a path as a leader and organizer.

Back then, all of the gay clubs were for white men, and those clubs would have occasional lesbian nights. Neal says one of the first white lesbian clubs was called JUGGS.

“They had a Friday night thing when all the black lesbians went,” she says. “We didn’t know there were so many black lesbians in Dallas. And we were like, ‘We should open a black club.’ ”

Read More Here: https://oakcliff.advocatemag.com/2019/05/meet-the-woman-who-brought-dallas-black-lgbtq-community-together/

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Chicago Gay History - Vernita Gray (click the link above)

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I never got to meet Vernita Gray in the physical but her essence surrounded me while the birth of the BLA unfolded.

Big shoutout to Tracy Baim! She was the segue. My introduction to who she was and her Legacy. This website has so many stories from the Chicago community. Check it out when you get a chance! Rest in Love Vernita!

"Gray has been active on gay rights since the late 1960s. She has been part of a wide range of groups and works on anti-violence issues for the state's attorney's office of Cook County. She has been part of almost every major gay event in Chicago, and is an activist who crosses boundaries of race, gender, geography, class and more to work for LGBT rights and AIDS causes."

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The Birth Of Affinity Community Services, Chicago, IL

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The Birth Of Affinity Community Services, Chicago, IL

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When I first started the Black Lesbian Archives, I eventually moved to Chicago! Tracy introduced me to Imani Rupert-Gordon which led me here to Affinity Community Services! Forever grateful for this!

"In 2025, Chicago’s Affinity organization is a 30-year-old group with strong roots in the city. But in April 1996, BLACKlines was reporting on the organization, which was just one year into its existence.

Affinity, a group by and for the Black LGBTQ+ community, answered the call for a queer organization based on Chicago’s South Side.

The early idea was a house or two-flat community center on the Southeast Side which would focus on serving Black LGBTQ+ people."

Read More Here: https://windycitytimes.com/2025/05/27/out-the-archives-affinity-aims-to-open-south-side-community-center/

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Something I picked up when I first started my Black Lesbian Archives journey. I remember pulling this a library downtown in Chicago and was blown away! I was able to find the names of many community members just from this one issue alone!

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Alexis Pauline Gumbs, on the Power of the Collective Erotic. Audre Lorde's Power of the Erotic

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Alexis Pauline Gumbs, on the Power of the Collective Erotic. Audre Lorde's Power of the Erotic

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Love Poem Legacies: Activating Collective Erotic Power in the Name of the Lorde – The Feminist Wire