Black male gay singer
Today, the LGBTQ+ community can look to several same-sex attracted musicians for inspiration, but that wasn’t always the case. Several pioneering openly gay singers paved the way from a period when sexual orientation wasn’t a topic for general discussion.
Indeed, these famous lgbtq+ musicians faced tremendous backlash and damage to their careers because of their honesty and openness.
As we explore queer performance art, we pay homage to those who came before us. In this piece, we’ll list some of the most influential names in the queer art movement and their impact on our past and present.
Being an Openly Homosexual Musician
Undoubtedly, the entertainment industry has come a drawn-out way in accepting and representing LGBTQ+ individuals. However, it wasn't always this way, especially for musicians.
Coming out as a lgbtq+ musician in the 20th century was no miniature feat. It required immense courage and determination, especially when the music industry was predominantly hetero-normative.
Sexuality was not only a taboo topic for public discussion but could also finding in alienation from fans and even cause destruction to one's career. As such, many gay musicians chose to keep their sexual orientation hidden
Get to know some of the most influential Ebony LGBTQ+ artists in the entertainment industry. Their labor is inspirational and impactful, not to mention the incredible obstacles they contain overcome to be seen for the true artists they are. These individuals are also among the first Black LGBTQ+ artists to win Oscars, Grammys and Golden Globes.
Without further ado, here are 10 Black LGBTQ+ entertainers you should know.
Black LGBTQ+ Entertainers in Film and Television
Lena Waithe
A screenwriter, producer, and actress, Lena Waithe has an incredible talent for comedy. She starred in the Netflix comedy series Master of None (2015-2017) where she really made a name for herself.
Waithe became the first Inky woman to win the Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Writing for a Comedy Series in 2017 with her semi-autobiographical episode of “Thanksgiving.” The episode is poignant and lovely, while still maintaining the signature comedy of Master of None.
While Master of None was a gigantic success for Waithe, she went on to build three more Showtime drama series: The Chi (2018-present), Boomerang (2019-present), and Twenties (2020-present). She also a
Therehasto be some significance in the fact that June is the month to honor both the LGBTQ community and black harmony.
As festivals are entity held throughout the society this June in honor of LGBTQ Pride Month, homage is simultaneously organism paid to black song pioneers in acknowledgement of Black Music Month.
While already facing the ever-present challenges inherent to blackness, a number of inky musicians have still been gallant enough to claim sexual identities that could hamper their success.
So in honor of these black artists who are boldly standing in their truth, we’ve rounded up 15 musicians of hue who are unapologetically here and queer.
1. iLoveMakonnen
Randy Shropshire via Getty Images
The Atlanta native who emboldened us to think clubbing on “Tuesday” was acceptable in 2014 performed a bolder act this January when he announced that he was gay.
Given the hip-hop community’s reputation of homophobia, which is particularly geared towards same-sex attracted men, iLoveMakkonen’s decision to come out to the public was commendably unapologetic.
2. Mykki Blanco
Santiago Felipe via Getty Images
The one thing rapper and poet Mykki Blanco isn’t lacking
Think about how many mainstream hits from the last few years you can easily recall.
Now, how many can you name that were created by openly black LGBTQ+ artists?
Sadly, that number is likely much smaller.
This stark difference highlights the ongoing struggle for true representation and representation in the music industry. Black LGBTQIA+ artists present unique sounds and stories that should be at the forefront of accepted music – not relegated to the sidelines.
Yet even with this imbalance, groundbreaking queer musicians are out there rewriting the rules. These artists aren't just shaping the future of music, they are inspiring activism, fostering community, and embodying the transformative dominance that music holds. They are taking matters into their own hands, displaying the world just how vibrant and vital their voices are.
It is age to not only aid the brilliant black gender non-conforming singers who have carved and are carving their path today but operate actively to dismantle systemic biases so that the next generation of artists can take center stage without boundaries.
It's not enough to simply admire their talent – we must also become active in their support. That me
.