As a Black gay man, I have experienced firsthand the unique challenges that come with being at the intersection of race, sexual orientation, and gender identity in a society that has historically excluded both Black and LGBTQIA voices from critical conversations. That's why this upcoming election isn't just another cycle - it's a defining moment for all of us.

I'm reminded of the stories of elders - those who marched, organized, and fought so that we might have a voice at the ballot were people who believed that our right to vote wasn't just about filling out a ballot - it was about our dignity, our humanity, and our place in the world. I carry their legacy with me, knowing that the path to justice is as much about our individual stories as it is about our collective future.

The Power of Representation and Intersectionality

As Chair of the NAACP's National LGBTQIA Committee, I have the honor and responsibility of representing communities that are often marginalized in both public and private spheres. For too long, there has been a persistent narrative about Black men that paints us as apathetic or disengaged from the political process. This narrative is not only false - it's harmful. It erases the rich history of Black men leading movements for change and diminishes the diverse experiences within our community. Those of us in the LGBTQIA community know far too well how damaging these narratives can be, particularly for those of us who face multiple layers of discrimination.

Representation matters. When policies are made without us in mind, they harm us in ways that are often overlooked.

Issues like healthcare, housing, and economic equity disproportionately affect Black and LGBTQIA communities. For example, the fight for accessible healthcare is not just a political talking point - it's life or death for many Black trans individuals who struggle to access affirming care. When we are excluded from these decisions, the policies that emerge fail to meet our needs.

This is why voting matters. It is not just a right; it's a tool of survival, a means of holding leaders, not just in The White House, but all levels of local, state and federal government accountable to the people they are supposed to represent.

The Fight for Voting Rights

Our community knows the cost of being excluded from democracy. From the days of Jim Crow to today's voter suppression tactics - gerrymandering, voter ID laws, and polling place closures - there have always been efforts to silence Black voices. This is especially true for Black LGBTQIA people, who already face higher barriers to political participation due to discrimination and systemic inequalities.

But our ancestors fought, even when it seemed impossible, for the right to vote. Today, we continue that fight - not just for ourselves, but for future generations. The power of the vote is the power to shape the future. Yet, with all that's at stake, there are forces working to misinform, to sow doubt, and to erode trust in the system. We cannot let them win.

Even in the face of frustration or disappointment, we must remain engaged. Voting is the essential tool in our arsenal. Protecting voting rights and expanding access - especially for those in marginalized communities - must remain a priority. When we disengage, we let those who seek to silence us win. We owe it to ourselves and to our communities to show up at the ballot box.

A Call to Action for Black Men and the LGBTQIA Community

The mood around this election is charged - many feel disillusioned, others hopeful, and some apathetic. But now is not the time to retreat. We are living in a moment that calls for courage, for unity, and for action. As Black men, particularly those of us who identify as LGBTQIA, our presence in this political moment is more critical than ever. Our issues are at the forefront - whether it's the fight for justice in healthcare, the demand for equity in the criminal justice system, or the push for policies that support our families and communities. We must continue to show that our voices matter, and that we will not be silenced.

I call on my brothers, sisters and non-confirming siblings, particularly those within the LGBTQIA community, to not only vote but to engage in the conversations that shape the future of our nation. We are stronger when we stand together, and our collective voices - whether LGBTQIA or Black, or both - are powerful tools for change.

This election, and every election, is our chance to define the future for ourselves and the generations that come after us. Let's make sure that we use our voices, and that we use them loudly.

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Demar L. Roberts of Memphis, TN is a member of the NAACP National Board of Directors and Chair of the NAACP's National LGBTQIA Committee.