Welcome to BET.com's 12 Days of Pride series where, with the help of seasoned drag queen and RuPaul's Drag Race alum Shangela Laquifa Wadley, we break down 12 standout reasons why LGBT Pride is to be celebrated, especially within the Black community.

We kick off the series by honoring one of the unsung heroes and beacons of the community, poet and activist Audre Lorde.

Lorde, who was also known for her unapologetically feminist views and her vocal roles in activism, was a proud member of the LGBT community and was possibly just as widely known for her defined afro and powerful aesthetic.

As Shangela cleverly pointed out, long before the viral fad of being "woke" got off the ground, Lorde was considered one of the originators, known for intellectually speaking out for the advancement and equality of her LGBT peers.

Thanks to her priceless contributions, Lorde's name is one-half of the Callen-Lorde Community Health Center in New York City.

We thank Audre Lorde for what she's done to help facilitate the advancement of the LGBT community, especially for members of color.

Watch Shangela break it all down in the video, above.