While images of LGBT people in popular culture that are heavily white, male and economically privileged may seem prevalent, this is only a portion of the diverse array of individuals who comprise our LGBT communities. Being “in the closet” is a difficult task for any person, but it may become more complicated when race and culture intermix with one’s ideas of his or her own community. You can be "closeted" about your sexual orientation or gender identity, but you our race and ethnicity is always known by those around us. People of color may identify first with their race or ethnicity before identifying according to sexual orientation or gender identity & expression.

Triangle Foundation works with other LGBT organizations to provide community-building events to bring together all of our diverse groups. There are organizations all over Detroit and Michigan who work daily to build bridges within the city and the state across racial an economic lines. LGBT people are not, as a group, richer than heterosexuals. At the same time, class issues and economic justice do not register on the agendas of many in the LGBT community. In fact, because of the infrastructure of society’s pre-existing inequalities for LGBT persons and people of color, many of our community members who identify with both groups find themselves at a greater risk for injustice.