CLOSETED STANCE
Mar 27, 20213 min
Tarik Daniels is an AfroQueer writer, performer, and mental health & HIV awareness activist. Tarik is also the Founder and Executive Director of WhatsintheMirror?, a social movement that provides mental health awareness and suicide prevention through art and advocacy to communities of color.
He is serving his second term as a City Commissioner for Austin’s LGBTQ Quality Of Life Advisory Board and HIV Planning Council. Through the Art Heals Project and Connect to Care initiative, WHATSINTHEMIRROR connects communities of color, including LGBTQIA+ communities and persons living with HIV, to mental health and suicide prevention services through art and advocacy to people of color. Here are the response of some LGBTQIA+ related questions we asked him recently.
How has it been growing up as an AfroQueer individual in the US.
Growing up AfroQueer in America lies at the intersectionality of oppression and beauty. While my quality of life is impacted by systems of oppression for being black and being queer, still I love all of my identities. I love that my existence is rooted against the status quo. I am not supposed to be here, but I am here.
Could you share a little on what inspired you to actively participate in being a part of a change which must be needed in our society?
Change happens rather I am selfishly active or if I am quietly still. I choose to make noise to bring awareness to practices and ideals that are harming my community out of necessity. With guidance from my ancestors and lots of prayers, I am choosing to do the work that must be done.
Could you share with us 'What is #WhatsInTheMirror moment?
WhatsintheMirror? is a healing justice social movement providing mental health awareness and suicide prevention to communities of color through art, advocacy, and affirming care. Our movement focuses on women, youth, and LGBTQIA+ persons.
What inspired you to start with #WhatsInTheMirror moment
Mental Health has always been a topic in my family. I grew up with my grandmother who is a person living with schizophrenia and that's had a lasting impact on my family. After my youngest sister attempted suicide back in 2015, I knew I wanted to merge my artistic endeavors with bringing awareness to mental wellness in black communities.
Despite we living in 2021, there is still a spike in suicide amongst LGBTQ+ individuals what do you think is the major cause.
Equality and Equity are still an ongoing fight in this country, especially in public health. Many of our rights as Queer and Trans persons are still being challenged with many anti-progressive bills and legislation being drafted and voted on as we speak. The higher rates of mental health issues and suicide ideations amongst queer communities are directly correlated to discrimination and stigma that we face and endure on a daily basis. Queer youth are not accepted in their families and queer youth are constantly being bullied in schools. Black Trans Women are amongst the most vulnerable persons in this country and they are not protected,
What message would you like to give to any individual who has recently figured that they are HIV positive?
I would say to anyone that has recently received an HIV-positive diagnosis to definitely find or seek community. I would also tell them to save space in their hearts to know and believe that their HIV status is not their fault. The HIV epidemic impact on communities, especially black communities, is rooted in homophobia and racism that has lead to health inequities and poor health outcomes. Also, love on yourself extra and wholly, you deserve it.
What message would you like to give to the GenZ queer Individuals who are still struggling to come out of the closet
I really don't believe in coming out. Queer folks are here and we have always been here and don't need permission to simply exist. While I do understand the emotional work that goes into living in our truths so I tend to acknowledge that work. The work of living proudly and loud. That's admirable and brave work. So be brave, we gotcha. There is a community for you and we are waiting for your arrival. We need you and we love you.