Makeda Silvera

Organizer - Activist - Writer

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Bio

A writer, community organizer and activist, Makeda Silvera has been part of the cornerstones of Queer Black community in Toronto. In 1983, along with her partner Stephanie Martin, she established the 101 Dewson Street collective house. Many activist organizations can trace their history back to beginning from conversations around the kitchen table at this house, including Zami, Lesbians of Colour, Blockorama and the Black Women's Collective.

In 1985, she co-founded Sister Vision Press, a pioneering Canadian indie press devoted to publishing writing by women of colour, and has authored, published and edited a number of books including Piece of My Heart: A Lesbian of Colour Anthology — the first anthology of its kind to be published in North America.

At the time, we were in dangerous territory as a house for LGBTQ people, [...] We also came up against racism. I was coming home once and the neighbours called the police because they weren’t accustomed to Black people owning a house in this neighbourhood.
Makeda Silvera
Food for Queers Community Program

Food for Queers
Stay Safe. Not Hungry

Providing support for 2SLGBTQ+ folks experiencing food insecurities within the city of London

No questions. No contact. Just Support!

Future is Queer! #QueerEvents