Black Femmes, Black Gods: Magic as Justice

Abstract

Conjure to poison the slave master, spells to protect from the police, and spiritual healing circles to grieve the homophobic and transphobic violence inflicted upon queer and trans communities are all part of why black femmes choose African-heritage religions. This essay explores the legacy of using magic for justice and healing and the subversive nature of black femmes’ current use of these technologies. Through interviews with black femme practitioners and explorations of community spaces, such as the black-led healing collective Harriet’s Apothecary in Brooklyn, New York, I examine what draws them to this religiosity, how it manifests in their everyday lives, and how it influences community organizing work. I argue that for many black femmes the act of healing through African-heritage religions is an act of resistance because it creates new definitions of self that counter homophobic and racist pre-established notions. An African religiosity acts as a conduit to this new concept of self because it reflects both blackness and queerness as sacred.

Keywords: Black Feminism, Magic, African Religions, Social Justice, Queer Studies.