G.R.I.T.S.: stories of growing up black, female, and queer -- It's thick here: race, gender, and sexuality in the South -- Does your mama know?: motherhood and mother-daughter relationships -- Walk like a man, talk like a woman: gender nonconformity -- I found god in myself and I loved her fiercely: religion and spirituality -- A taste of honey: sex among women who love women -- I'm sweet on you: stories of love, courtship, and intimacy -- The work my soul was called to do: art and activism -- My soul looks back and wonders: stories of perseverance and hope -- Salsa soul sister: Aida Rentas -- Being human is a dangerous thing: Cherry Hussain -- I'm happy as hell: Gwen Cubit -- I'm just a black woman in America: Lori Wilson -- I'm alright with who I am: 'Ida Mae' -- Books saved my life: Mary Anne Adams -- A poet's response