Audre Lorde described herself as a “black, lesbian, mother, warrior, poet,” according to her biography on the Poetry Foundation. Lorde was not only a talented poet but also wrote, memoir, feminist theory, short stories, and novels. Her work aimed to fight the intersections of racism, sexism, and homophobia.

A New York City native, Lorde began writing when she was in her teens and actually had her first poem published in Seventeen magazine before she even graduated high school. While themes of lesbianism were always prevalent in her writing, her themes drew audiences of all backgrounds. As one critic, Martin, wrote, “one doesn’t have to profess heterosexuality, homosexuality, or asexuality to react to her poems… Anyone who has ever been in love can respond to the straightforward passion and pain sometimes one and the same, in Lorde’s poems.”

While her early writing centered around romance, as tension rose in the 1960s with the civil rights movement she began to take on more themes of racism and sexism, coming forward as a figure in political activism. Her poetic tone shifted to one of fervor and conviction for justice. Lorde sought to communicate and reach people of all different identities.

Lorde also takes on familial themes in her work, often illustrating the struggles of growing up a first generation immigrant as well as tension about her lesbian identity with her parents.

In addition, Lorde is well known for writing about her struggles with breast cancer in “The Cancer Journals” where she works to illuminate injustices she encounters through the treatment process and grappling with the possibility of death.


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  • SorosFootSoldier [he/him, they/them]
    ·
    edit-2
    4 years ago

    So my mom is fall down drunk and went downstairs without a mask on where my dad may have corona. She's refusing to wash her hands and she's fighting at me because it's snowing outside. So if I'm dead within a week or two it's been an honor to post with y'all. To think I'm going to get done in by this shit virus. I don't even want to get her help anymore like rehab. She's just another shithead to me now. Every day she's drunk and fights with me and wants to run off to her abusive husband because I have the nerve to tell it like it is. So I'm the bad guy. Even with my mom who I thought I was her friend, I'm the lowest of the low.

    I really just feel like committing myself to an institution. At least it's safe in there.

    *edit: and my dad still wants to kick me out of the house. Been thinking about taking like 10 grand out of his savings account, renting a car with a gps and driving to Florida. I could buy a tent and sleep on the beach somewhere. I could get a small job as a janitor or something to support me and pay for my meds, probably be able to get on assistance too because I'd be on my own.

    **edit: maybe the Carolinas? Instead? What about Atlanta? I know if I'm going to be homeless I'm going to end up drinking again and probably falling into harder shit.

    • BillyMays [he/him]
      ·
      4 years ago

      I’m sorry you’re having to deal with all of that. You don’t deserve it. Your life can get better and if you can get some money from your dad to move out, you should. Get yourself an apartment. Get some counseling and find a job for now. Just because it’s bad right now doesn’t mean it has to get worse. You deserve joy and peace.