LGBT Black History Month Spotlight:
7 Questions With Poet Shara Dae Howard

In partnership with Philadelphia Black Gay Pride, every day throughout the month of February we will spotlight an influential black mover and shaker in the city.

Today, a true Jill-of-all-trades, poet/photographer/journalist Shara Dae Howard. Ms Howard came to my attention when I saw her moving coming out story on I’m From Driftwood. A Philly girl, Howard  found the courage to open up about her sexuality as a teen at the Attic Youth Center, an organization that she continues to be involved with today as a member of the board.

What’s your Philly connection?
I was born and raised in Philly but my family is from Atlanta, Georgia.

When you were a kid what did you want to be when you grew up?
When I was a child I wanted to be a police officer because I knew girls liked guys in uniforms.

Who is your biggest inspiration?
My biggest inspiration was The Fonz, then I grew up and it was , Peta Wilson-era Le Femme Nikita.

Finish this sentence. I feel fiercest when …
I’m clocking 120 miles per hour on my motorcycle in heels!

What’s your proudest achievement?
When I announced to a crowd of strangers that my fiancé, Suja, said “yes” to my wedding proposal.

If you could have one super power what would it be?
My superpower would be mind-reading.

Finish this sentence. In 10 years …
I hope the partisan politics of congress will be a thing of the past and that our country will be well on its way to healing partisan wounds.