Audrey Geraldine Lorde, widely known as Audre Lorde, was an American writer, librarian, feminist, and civil rights activist of Caribbean descent.
As a poet, her writings express outrage and anger at social and civil injustices she witnessed throughout her life. Her poems mostly deal with matters related to feminism, civil rights, and lesbianism among many others.
Following her education, Lorde went to study at the National University of Mexico, where she developed her views as a feminist and activist, who also happened to be lesbian. She was not only a poet but also an essayist and wrote her thoughts on the various aspects of social activism. Lorde furthered her education at Columbia University and obtained a master’s degree in Library Science in 1961. She continued to work as a librarian at several institutions while continuing to be a notable poet and civil right activist.
Lorde was a notable social activist of her time and remained to be so for the majority of her life. I have compiled some of the most notable quotes and sayings by Audre Lorde that explores her thoughts and views about racism, feminism, courage, and a lot more.
Fun fact: Audre Lorde described herself as a “Black, lesbian, mother, warrior, poet”—all at once!
Table of Contents
Audre Lorde Quotes on Identity & Self-Acceptance
“If I didn’t define myself for myself, I would be crunched into other people’s fantasies for me and eaten alive.”
— From “Learning from the 60s” (Speech, 1982)
This quote encapsulates Lorde’s lifelong commitment to self-definition and authenticity, urging us all to resist the limitations others try to impose.
“When I dare to be powerful, to use my strength in the service of my vision, then it becomes less and less important whether I am afraid.”
— From “The Transformation of Silence into Language and Action” (Sister Outsider, 1984)
Lorde reminds us that embracing our identity and purpose empowers us to act, even in the face of fear.
“It is not our differences that divide us. It is our inability to recognize, accept, and celebrate those differences.”
— From “Sister Outsider: Essays and Speeches” (1984)
This statement underscores her vision for a world where difference is embraced as strength, not a cause for division.
Audre Lorde Quotes on Feminism & Activism
“I am not free while any woman is unfree, even when her shackles are very different from my own.”
— From “The Uses of Anger: Women Responding to Racism” (Speech, 1981)
Lorde’s feminism was intersectional—she called for collective liberation, not just individual empowerment.
“Revolution is not a one-time event.”
— From “Sister Outsider: Essays and Speeches” (1984)
She challenges us to see activism as a lifelong commitment, not a fleeting act.
“Your silence will not protect you.”
— From “The Transformation of Silence into Language and Action” (Sister Outsider, 1984)
Perhaps her most famous warning: speaking out, even when difficult, is the first step toward justice.
Audre Lorde Quotes on Courage & Voice
“I have come to believe over and over again that what is most important to me must be spoken, made verbal and shared, even at the risk of having it bruised or misunderstood.”
— From “The Transformation of Silence into Language and Action” (Sister Outsider, 1984)
Lorde empowers us to find our voice and speak our truths, even when the cost feels high.
“I am deliberate and afraid of nothing.”
— From “New York Head Shop and Museum” (Poem, 1974)
This line speaks to her unwavering resolve and the courage she embodied, even as she acknowledged her fears.
“For those of us who live at the shoreline / standing upon the constant edges of decision / crucial and alone…”
— From “A Litany for Survival” (Poem, 1978)
Lorde’s poetry often gave voice to the precariousness and bravery of living authentically.
Audre Lorde Quotes on Self-Care & Healing
“Caring for myself is not self-indulgence, it is self-preservation, and that is an act of political warfare.”
— From “A Burst of Light: Living with Cancer” (1988)
This revolutionary take on self-care reminds us that healing ourselves can be a radical act—especially for those fighting oppression.
“I have learned to believe that caring for myself is not self-indulgence. Caring for myself is an act of survival.”
— From “A Burst of Light: Living with Cancer” (1988)
Lorde reaffirms the importance of prioritizing our own well-being, especially in challenging times.
Audre Lorde Quotes on Love & Community
“Without community, there is no liberation, only the most vulnerable and temporary armistice between an individual and her oppression.”
— From “The Master’s Tools Will Never Dismantle the Master’s House” (Sister Outsider, 1984)
Lorde’s work reminds us that true progress and healing happen together, not alone.
“Each time you love, love as deeply as if it were forever—only, nothing is eternal.”
— From “Ceremonies: Prose and Poetry” (1995)
This beautiful reflection speaks to the fleeting but powerful nature of love in our lives.
Speak, Rise, Transform—With Audre Lorde
Audre Lorde’s words resonate across generations because they speak to the courage it takes to be ourselves, the necessity of collective action, and the transformative power of love and self-care. Let these quotes inspire you not just to read—but to act, heal, and build a better world.
