Lorde (1)

Introduction to Audre Lorde

Audre Lorde (1934-1992)
- Born in New York to Caribbean immigrants, Frederic Byron and Linda Belmar Lorde.
- Identified as a "black feminist lesbian mother poet."
- Dedicated her life and work to the liberation struggles of oppressed groups.
Notable Works
- The Black Unicorn (1978) - a poetry collection exploring lesbian love.
- The Cancer Journals (1980)
- I Am Your Sister (1985)
- Sister Outsider (1984)
- Zami (1982)
- These works are essential for understanding feminist and anti-racist discourse.

Intersectionality of Oppression
- Lorde discusses her identity as a Black woman and the complexities involved.
- Acknowledges that racism, sexism, and homophobia are interconnected.
- Emphasizes the absence of a hierarchal structure among oppressions.
Personal Philosophy
- "I do not believe that one aspect of myself can profit from the oppression of any other part of my identity."
- Advocates for an understanding that the struggles of oppressed groups are intertwined.

Identity and Community
- Within the lesbian community, Lorde feels her identity as a Black woman is a significant aspect.
- Within the Black community, her identity as a lesbian is pivotal.
- Each group should recognize the other's struggles as being collectively important.
Children’s Legacy
- Urges that children should understand cooperation without needing to conform to each other's identities.
- Freedom from intolerance should be a universal right, not limited to any individual group.

Call to Action
- Lorde's message insists on the necessity of fighting against all forms of oppression.
- "It will not be long before they appear to destroy you," highlighting the shared fate of those subjected to injustice.