In memory of Audre Lorde 1934–1992

The life and work of Audre Lorde epitomize the theme of this issue: creating peace culture—the interconnectedness of art and work for social change. For Lorde there was no separation between her roles as poet, essayist, African‐American, woman, mother, lesbian, feminist, and activist. She always pointed out the relationships among these various kinds of “outsiderness.” She refused to be categorized or to let one part of her identity be split off from the others. Even in her writing, she would not be limited by arbitrary categories or genres; thus, her prose is poetic and she labeled her Zamia. “biomythography.”

Lorde always spoke out against the fear that divides people—the fear of difference, which is at the root of sexism, racism, homophobia, and all the other “‐isms” and “phobias.” In her poetry, essays, and speeches, Lorde showed us the connections among these forms of oppression and called upon us all to fight that oppression and to celebrate those differences. She was truly joyful in her own celebration of life and its diversity.