Black male gay singer
Today, the LGBTQ+ community can look to several queer musicians for inspiration, but that wasn’t always the case. Several pioneering openly gay singers paved the way from a moment when sexual orientation wasn’t a topic for general discussion.
Indeed, these famous homosexual 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 Same-sex attracted Musician
Undoubtedly, the entertainment industry has come a distant way in accepting and representing LGBTQ+ individuals. However, it wasn't always this way, especially for musicians.
Coming out as a queer musician in the 20th century was no tiny feat. It required enormous 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 consequence in alienation from fans and even cause spoil to one's career. As such, many gay musicians chose to keep their sexual orientation hidden
Think about how many mainstream hits from the last not many 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 battle for true inclusion and visibility in the music industry. Black LGBTQIA+ artists offer unique sounds and stories that should be at the forefront of popular 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 song, they are inspiring activism, fostering people, and embodying the transformative power that music holds. They are taking matters into their possess hands, showing the world just how vibrant and crucial their voices are.
It is time to not only back the brilliant shadowy queer singers who have carved and are carving their path today but work actively to dismantle systemic biases so that the next generation of artists can get center stage without boundaries.
It's not enough to simply appreciate their talent – we must also become active in their support. That me
Get to know some of the most influential Black LGBTQ+ artists in the entertainment industry. Their work is inspirational and impactful, not to mention the unbelievable obstacles they have overcome to be seen for the real artists they are. These individuals are also among the first Black LGBTQ+ artists to prevail Oscars, Grammys and Golden Globes.
Without further ado, here are 10 Black LGBTQ+ entertainers you should know.
Black LGBTQ+ Entertainers in Motion picture 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 Black 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 beautiful, while still maintaining the signature comedy of Master of None.
While Master of None was a huge success for Waithe, she went on to generate 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 proof that June is the month to honor both the LGBTQ community and black music.
As festivals are creature held throughout the world this June in honor of LGBTQ Pride Month, homage is simultaneously being paid to black music pioneers in acknowledgement of Black Music Month.
While already facing the ever-present challenges inherent to blackness, a number of black musicians own 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 facts, we’ve rounded up 15 musicians of color who are unapologetically here and queer.
1. iLoveMakonnen
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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 gay men, iLoveMakkonen’s decision to come out to the public was commendably unapologetic.
2. Mykki Blanco
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The one thing rapper and poet Mykki Blanco isn’t lacking