Photo by Charla Harlow

In “Cool & Invigorating ELIXHER.com,” ELIXHER creator Kimberley McLeod talks to Pride Index, a community guide for Black LGBT people, about what inspired the website, why she loves what she does, what straight women can learn from ELIXHER and more. Check out an excerpt from the interview:

ELIXHER.COM was founded a year ago by DC based writer and activist Kimberley McLeod. McLeod has worked as a journalist for several women’s magazines, after recognizing a lack of stories about the black lesbians, bisexuals and trans women, she started ELIXHER.COM to fill the void. The site is, “a go-to resource for all things empowering, thought-provoking and pertinent to the black female queer community.” The 2012 Esteem Award honoree for Outstanding Magazine Reporter/Columnist or Feature Article - National for her provocative piece, “Taking A Lead on Faith: Four Black Pastors At The Forefront of LGBT Equality” at EBONY.com talked with PrideIndex; McLeod shares what women everywhere, including straight women, can learn from it.

PRIDEINDEX (PI): Why did you start ELIXHER.com?

KIMBERLEY MCLEOD (KM): I created ELIXHER out of a void I witnessed both personally and professionally. As a Black lesbian and journalist, I noticed the lack of images and stories that spoke to my community and my experience. In the media, Black lesbian, bisexual and trans women are generally not depicted in ways that represent our multifactedness. We’re mothers, daughters, wives, doctors, artists and more. It’s important that we feel affirmed and see our authentic selves reflected in the world.

PI: What were the circumstances that led to the founding of the ELIXHER.com?

KM: The idea of ELIXHER had been forming in mind for quite some time. I’ve always been passionate about giving voice to the underrepresented and when I came to embrace my identity as a lesbian, I turned to the media to help me find my voice. I was disappointed with what I found. I didn’t find me. I knew I couldn’t be the only one that felt this way and I became determined to change that. Finally, I mustered up the courage to just start. And that wasn’t easy. Putting yourself and your “baby” out there is a very vulnerable feeling. But I couldn’t be happier that I did it.

PI: Talk about ELIXHER.com’s demographic make-up.

KM: ELIXHER readers are between the age of 18 – 49. We have a strong East Coast following that is rapidly expanding to the South and West Coast. Our readers are smart, web savvy, and cultured. They’re an array of women creatives, activists, thought leaders and trendsetters.

PI: How do you decide which topics to cover?

KM: We cover news, culture, politics, and commentary as it relates to the larger context of the Black LGBT female-identified community. Our content critically and intelligently examines relevant issues. A lot of what we cover has to do with current events and conversations presently happening within our community.

PI: Is there any subject that you would consider to be off limits and thus won’t cover on ELIXHER.com?

KM: No subject is off limits. I only challenge writers (and readers) to not bash anyone in an unproductive or unhealthy way.

PI: What has your family said about the website?

KM: My family is entirely supportive of the website. My mother who has gone through her own journey of acceptance (with me being gay) now proudly shares the website with gay and straight people she meets. It’s been a blessing.

Continue reading at PrideIndex.com.

Category: News