Did you know she was just a teenager when her first poem was published?
BY ELLA GAUCI, IMAGE BY FLICKR
Audre Lorde was a trailblazing figure in the realms of feminism, LGBTQIA rights, and civil rights. While many know her as the “Black, lesbian, mother, warrior, poet,” there are still plenty of hidden gems in her life that shaped her legacy. Here are six lesser-known facts about the literary and activist icon.
Her first poem was published when she was just 15
Audre Lorde’s poetic talent blossomed early. At just 15, she had her first poem published in Seventeen magazine. Entitled Spring, it reflected the natural lyricism and depth of feeling that would come to define her work.
She battled cancer for 14 years
Audre Lorde was diagnosed with breast cancer in 1978. Her experiences were documented in her powerful book, The Cancer Journals, where she explored the emotional, physical, and political dimensions of her illness. She later developed liver cancer, and even through the pain, she continued to write and advocate for marginalised communities until her deathin 1992.
She lived in Germany for a decade
In the late 1980s, Audre Lorde spent significant time in West Berlin, where she worked as a visiting professor at the Free University of Berlin. While there, she played a pivotal role in fostering the Afro-German movement, supporting Black women in Germany as they built an anti-racist feminist movement. Her influence extended far beyond the US, becoming a global beacon for intersectional activism.
She rejected labels, including “feminist”
Although widely recognized as a feminist icon, Lorde was critical of mainstream feminism for ignoring issues of race, class, and sexuality. She coined the term “womanist” alongside Alice Walker, emphasising a movement that better addressed the struggles of Black women. Lorde’s refusal to conform to restrictive labels made her one of the foremost intersectional thinkers of her time.
She was the first Black woman to become the New York State Poet Laureate
In 1991, Audre Lorde was named the New York State Poet Laureate, becoming the first Black woman to receive this prestigious honour. During her tenure, she continued to challenge the status quo, giving voice to those marginalised by race, gender, and sexual orientation. Her legacy as a poet and activist has only grown since her passing.
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