“What started as a place for connection quickly grew into something much bigger”: DIVA meets the founder of Black Educated Lesbians

Founder and executive director LaJoya Johnson talks to DIVA all about her mission to create space and advocate for Black lesbian professionals

BY NIC CROSARA, IMAGE VIA CANVA/PEOPLEIMAGES.COM

There are so many obstacles women have to overcome across various professional sectors, from gender pay gaps to misogyny, and beyond. This is only intensified for those who are also Black and gay. LaJoya Johnson saw the way Black lesbian professionals struggled to find spaces where they could show up fully without having to explain themselves. This is why she started Black Educated Lesbians (BEL) in 2014, at first it was just a Facebook group, but the intention behind it was much deeper. “What started as a place for connection quickly grew into something much bigger,” the BEL founder and executive director tells me. “I realised early on that this wasn’t just about community, it was about visibility, belonging, and creating a space that centred us in a way that didn’t exist before.”

LaJoya is full of passion for the community-building work that she does. I’m eager to find out more about her experiences as a founder and the vital work that BEL does.

What challenges have you had to overcome when it comes to building this community?

One of the biggest challenges has been building something meaningful with limited resources. Like many grassroots organisations, BEL has been powered by passion long before it was supported by funding. There’s also the challenge of navigating invisibility. Black lesbians are often overlooked in broader conversations around both race and sexuality, which can make it harder to secure partnerships, funding, and recognition.

How do you continue to motivate yourself on your mission?

I stay grounded in the impact. When women tell me they’ve found community, support, or even healing through BEL, that’s what keeps me going. This work is bigger than me. It’s about creating something that didn’t exist for us and making sure future generations don’t have to search as hard for belonging. I also remind myself that consistency builds legacy. Even on the days when it’s hard, showing up matters.

Can you tell me more about your Seen or Dismissed initiative?

“Seen or Dismissed” is a research and advocacy initiative focused on understanding the healthcare experiences of Black lesbians, particularly in the US South. It examines medical mistrust, bias, and the systemic barriers that impact how we access and experience care. This work is important because data on Black lesbians is extremely limited, which means our experiences are often excluded from policy and healthcare solutions. Through surveys, storytelling, and community-informed research, we aim to not only document these experiences but also use them to advocate for more equitable, culturally competent care.

What’s the biggest lesson you’ve learned as a founder?

Vision alone isn’t enough. You need structure, boundaries, and the willingness to evolve. In the beginning, I was doing everything myself. Over time, I realised that sustainable growth requires systems, support, and letting go of control in certain areas. I’ve also learned that not everyone will understand your vision right away, and that’s okay. You have to stay committed even when the support isn’t immediate.

What’s been the highlight of your BEL journey so far?

One of the biggest highlights has been watching BEL grow from an online community into a global network with local chapters, programming, and real-world impact. Seeing women connect in person at our events, build friendships, find support, and even collaborate professionally has been incredibly powerful. Another highlight is stepping into research and advocacy. Moving beyond community-building into influencing conversations around health equity has been a major evolution for BEL.

Any final words?

I think it’s important to recognise that Black lesbian professionals are not a monolith, and our experiences deserve to be centred with nuance, care and intention. Representation matters, but access, equity, and investment matter just as much. Organisations like BEL exist because there has historically been a gap. The goal is not just to fill that gap, but to shift systems so that future generations don’t have to create spaces out of necessity, but out of choice.

Black Educated Lesbians (BEL) is a global nonprofit organisation dedicated to empowering Black lesbian women through community, wellness, research, and leadership development. Founded in 2014, BEL provides culturally responsive programming and safe spaces for connection, advocacy, and growth.

Learn more at blackeducatedlesbians.com | Follow on Instagram @black.educated.lesbians | Follow on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/black-educated-lesbians

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