Women have historically been underrepresented, undervalued, and overlooked in societal relationships. For Black women, this struggle is intensified by misogynoir and the deep-seated allegiance to heterosexism within Black culture. Black lesbianism, in particular, has long operated as a silent phenomenon, hidden in fear of disrupting the fragile unity of Black nationhood. Yet, as the movement to protect, support, and uplift Black women grows, so too does the emergence of Black sapphic identity as an act of resistance and self-determination.
Sapphism, or lesbianism, represents more than just romantic relationships between women—it is a reclamation of autonomy and love outside of patriarchal structures. The term “Black sapphism” expands beyond just sexuality; it embodies Black women who divest from patriarchal and heterosexist norms to create meaningful, mutual, and reciprocal relationships with other women—whether romantic, familial, or platonic. It is an act of radical self-love, an assertion that Black women deserve to be seen, heard, and cherished without limitation.
Queen Latifah and Eboni Nichols: A Love Rooted in Privacy and Power
Few figures encapsulate the beauty of Black sapphic love like Queen Latifah. A powerhouse in music, film, and television, Latifah has navigated a career that demanded resilience and reinvention. From her Grammy-winning anthem U.N.I.T.Y. to her Oscar-nominated role in Chicago, she has consistently shattered barriers. Yet, for decades, one aspect of her life remained fiercely protected—her love life.
That changed in 2021 when, during her BET Lifetime Achievement Award speech, Latifah publicly acknowledged her partner, choreographer Eboni Nichols, and their son, Rebel. It was a brief but powerful moment—one that signified a shift, not just for Latifah, but for Black sapphic love in mainstream culture.
Nichols, a highly respected choreographer, has built an impressive career of her own, working with some of the biggest names in entertainment. Together, she and Latifah have built a life filled with love, family, and quiet strength. Their decision to remain private is not rooted in shame, but in the necessity of preserving something sacred in a world that too often seeks to scrutinize and diminish Black queer love.
The Challenge of Being Black and Lesbian in a Patriarchal Culture
The reluctance of many Black women to live openly as lesbians is deeply rooted in systemic oppression. As scholar Lisa Bowleg discusses in When Black + Lesbian + Woman ≠ Black Lesbian Woman: The Methodological Challenges of Qualitative and Quantitative Intersectionality Research, Black lesbians face compounded struggles at the intersections of race, gender, and sexual orientation. The Black community—already embattled against white supremacy—has often seen queerness as a perceived threat to collective unity, making it harder for Black queer women to exist freely within their own culture.
This is why Queen Latifah and Eboni Nichols’ love is so powerful. Their relationship exists not in defiance, but in quiet affirmation—a reminder that Black lesbian love does not need permission to exist. Their choice to protect their love is a form of resistance, but their love itself is a promise of what’s to come: a future where Black sapphic relationships are celebrated, not silenced.
A Future of Visibility and Change
The emergence of high-profile Black sapphic relationships signals a shift. More Black women are stepping into their power, embracing love outside of heteronormative confines, and redefining what Black unity truly means. The rise of intersectional feminism insists that Black liberation cannot exclude Black lesbians—because to be truly free means embracing all of who we are.
Queen Latifah and Eboni Nichols are a testament to the beauty of Black sapphic love. Their story is one of quiet resilience, mutual devotion, and the power of choosing love on one’s own terms. For Black lesbians everywhere, their love is both a beacon and a reminder: we have always existed, we have always loved, and we will continue to thrive.
