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Vanguard Voices

A curated exploration of influential African American LGBTQ+ individuals who have significantly impacted culture, politics, media, and sports. Discover their contributions and legacies.

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Introduction

Defining the Community

This compilation highlights individuals of Black/African American heritage who also identify within the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, and/or intersex (LGBTQ+) communities. It serves as a testament to the diverse contributions made by these individuals across various societal domains.

Verification Note

The original source article indicates that this list is incomplete and may require additional citations for verification. This presentation aims to provide a structured overview based on the available information, acknowledging the ongoing nature of such compilations.

Historical Figures

Alain LeRoy Locke

Lifetime: 1885โ€“1954
Nationality: American
Notable as: Philosopher, writer, educator, art patron.
Communities: Queer, Gay. Locke was a pivotal figure in the Harlem Renaissance, championing Black artistic and intellectual expression.

Barbara Jordan

Lifetime: 1936โ€“1996
Nationality: American
Notable as: Lawyer, educator, politician; the first African-American woman elected to the United States House of Representatives.
Communities: LGBTQ+. Jordan was renowned for her powerful oratory and commitment to civil rights and justice.

Government & Politics

Elected Officials & Leaders

A significant number of African American LGBTQ+ individuals have achieved prominence in public service and politics, holding positions at local, state, and federal levels. Their careers often involve navigating complex intersections of identity and public policy.

Notable Figures Include:

  • Andrew Gillum: Former Mayor of Tallahassee, Florida (Democrat).
  • Lori Lightfoot: Former Mayor of Chicago, Illinois (Democrat).
  • Vernetta Alston: North Carolina State Representative (Democrat).
  • Ritchie Torres: U.S. Representative for New York's 15th congressional district (Democrat).
  • Laphonza Butler: U.S. Senator from California (Democrat).
  • Althea Garrison: Former Massachusetts State Representative and Judge (Republican).
  • Kelvin Atkinson: Former Nevada State Senator (Democrat).
  • Darrin P. Gayles: United States Federal Judge (Democrat).
  • Erick Russell: Connecticut State Treasurer (Democrat).

This list represents a selection of individuals who have made notable contributions to governance and public life.

Entertainment & Media

Artists, Actors, and Creators

The realms of entertainment and media have been profoundly shaped by African American LGBTQ+ talent. These individuals have excelled as actors, musicians, writers, directors, and journalists, bringing diverse narratives and perspectives to the forefront.

Prominent Figures Include:

  • Wanda Sykes: Actress and comedian, known for her sharp wit and social commentary.
  • Laverne Cox: Actress and LGBTQ+ advocate, a groundbreaking figure for transgender representation.
  • Janelle Monรกe: Singer-songwriter, actress, and producer, celebrated for her genre-bending music and artistic vision.
  • Billy Porter: Actor, singer, and fashion icon, recognized for his powerful performances and advocacy.
  • Frank Ocean: Singer-songwriter, acclaimed for his innovative musical style and introspective lyrics.
  • Audre Lorde: Author and feminist activist, whose work explored themes of race, gender, and sexuality.
  • James Baldwin: Author and essayist, whose writings profoundly influenced discussions on race, class, and sexuality in America.
  • Queen Latifah: Rapper, actress, and producer, a multifaceted artist with significant cultural impact.
  • Lil Nas X: Rapper, singer, and songwriter, achieving global success and visibility for Black queer artists in hip-hop.
  • Amandla Stenberg: Actress and singer, known for roles that often explore themes of identity and social justice.
  • Tessa Thompson: Actress, recognized for her versatile performances across film and television.
  • Danez Smith: Poet, acclaimed for their work exploring Black identity, queerness, and resilience.
  • Charles M. Blow: Columnist for The New York Times, known for his incisive social and political commentary.
  • Don Lemon: CNN News anchor and journalist, a prominent voice in broadcast media.
  • Colman Domingo: Actor, playwright, director, and producer, celebrated for his impactful dramatic roles.
  • Alice Walker: Author and poet, Pulitzer Prize winner for "The Color Purple."
  • Ma Rainey: Early blues singer, often referred to as the "Mother of the Blues."
  • Little Richard: Pioneering rock and roll musician, known for his flamboyant style and energetic performances.
  • Andre Leon Talley: Journalist and editor, a towering figure in fashion journalism.
  • Todrick Hall: Singer, songwriter, dancer, producer, director, and choreographer, known for his viral online content and theatrical productions.
  • Shea Couleรฉ: Drag queen, musician, and actor, a prominent figure in contemporary drag culture.
  • Michaela Jaรฉ Rodriguez: Actress and musician, the first transgender actress to win a Golden Globe.
  • TS Madison: Media personality, entrepreneur, and activist, a significant voice in the trans community.
  • Kiana Ledรฉ: Singer-songwriter, known for her soulful R&B music.
  • Honey Davenport: Drag performer, singer, songwriter, actor, and activist.
  • Joy Oladokun: Singer-songwriter, blending folk, rock, and R&B influences.
  • Rivers Solomon: Author, recognized for their speculative fiction exploring identity and societal structures.
  • Akwaeke Emezi: Author and musician, known for their unique narrative voice.
  • Steven Thrasher: Journalist and academic, contributing to discussions on LGBTQ+ culture and politics.
  • Lee Rodriguez: Actor, known for their roles in prominent television series.
  • Victoria Monรฉt: Singer-songwriter, recognized for her contributions to contemporary R&B.
  • Shamir: Singer, known for their genre-defying musical style.
  • Ice Spice: Rapper, achieving rapid success in the contemporary hip-hop scene.
  • Doechii: Singer and rapper, known for her dynamic performances and lyrical prowess.
  • Yves Tumor: Singer, acclaimed for their experimental and genre-blending music.
  • Alex Newell: Actor and singer, recognized for their Broadway and television roles.
  • Kacen Callender: Author, known for their young adult and adult fiction.
  • Jordan E. Cooper: Actor and writer, celebrated for their work in theatre and television.
  • Niecey Nash: Actress and comedian, known for her versatile roles.
  • Steve Lacy: Singer, musician, and songwriter, associated with The Internet and solo work.
  • Khalid: Singer-songwriter, known for his chart-topping R&B hits.
  • Kehlani: Singer, musician, and songwriter, openly identifying as lesbian.
  • Honey Davenport: Drag performer, singer, songwriter, actor, activist.
  • Dorian Corey: Drag performer and fashion designer, a significant figure in ballroom culture.
  • Flawless Shade: Drag queen and make-up artist.
  • Kornbread Jettรฉ: Drag queen.
  • Emira D'Spain: Model, social media influencer, and magazine director, notable as the first Black transgender model for Victoria's Secret.
  • Marlon Riggs: Filmmaker, whose work explored Black identity and LGBTQ+ experiences.
  • LeRoy Whitfield: Journalist.
  • Terry Blade: Singer-songwriter, lyricist.
  • Amythyst Kiah: Singer, songwriter, musician, known for her Americana and blues influences.
  • Patrik-Ian Polk: Film director, producer, singer, and actor, known for creating content centered on Black LGBTQ+ experiences.
  • Angel Haze: Rapper, known for their unique lyrical style and genre-blending music.
  • LZ Granderson: Journalist and commentator for CNN and ESPN.
  • Paris Barclay: Director, producer, and writer, a prominent figure in television production.
  • Terrance Dean: Writer and author.
  • Tracy Chapman: Singer-songwriter, known for her socially conscious folk music.
  • RuPaul: Actor, drag queen, and television personality, creator of RuPaul's Drag Race.
  • Darryl Stephens: Actor, known for his role in the series "Noah's Arc."
  • Steve Lacy: Singer, musician, and songwriter.
  • Khalid: Singer-songwriter.
  • Kehlani: Singer, musician, and songwriter.
  • Honey Davenport: Drag performer, singer, songwriter, actor, activist.
  • Joy Oladokun: Singer-songwriter.
  • Rivers Solomon: Author.
  • Akwaeke Emezi: Author, Musician.
  • Steven Thrasher: Journalist, academic.
  • Lee Rodriguez: Actor.
  • Victoria Monรฉt: Singer-songwriter.
  • Shamir: Singer.
  • Ice Spice: Rapper.
  • Doechii: Singer, rapper.
  • Yves Tumor: Singer.
  • Alex Newell: Actor, singer.
  • Kacen Callender: Author.
  • Jordan E. Cooper: Actor, Writer.
  • Michaela Jaรฉ Rodriguez: Actress, Musician.
  • TS Madison: Media personality.
  • Cardi B: Musician.
  • Phillip B. Williams: Author.
  • Danez Smith: Author.
  • KB Brookins: Author.
  • Kiana Ledรฉ: Singer.
  • Shea Couleรฉ: Drag queen, musician, actor.
  • Dorian Corey: Drag performer, fashion designer.
  • Honey Davenport: Drag performer, singer, songwriter, actor, activist.
  • David Hampton: Con artist.
  • Angela Davis: Political activist, academic.
  • CeCe McDonald: LGBTQ+ advocate.
  • DeRay Mckesson: Activist and educator.
  • Marsha P. Johnson: Gay liberation activist and Stonewall veteran.
  • Bayard Rustin: Political and Black rights activist.
  • Flawless Shade: Drag queen and make-up artist.
  • Kornbread Jettรฉ: Drag queen.
  • Mary Anne Adams: Activist, academic, founder of NAMI NOBLA.
  • Miss Major Griffin-Gracy: Community organizer for trans rights.
  • Imani Barbarin: Disability rights activist, writer, public speaker.

This list represents a selection of individuals who have made notable contributions to the cultural landscape.

Sports

Athletes Breaking Barriers

African American LGBTQ+ athletes have achieved significant success and visibility in the world of sports, challenging norms and advocating for inclusivity.

Notable Athletes Include:

  • Brittney Griner: Professional basketball player, advocate for LGBTQ+ rights and athlete safety.
  • Candace Parker: Professional basketball player, recognized for her distinguished career and advocacy.
  • Laurie Hernandez: Olympic gymnast, celebrated for her achievements and openness about her identity.
  • Ryan Russell: Former professional American football player, who came out as bisexual.
  • Jason Collins: Former professional basketball player, the first openly gay man in the NBA.
  • Fallon Fox: Professional mixed martial artist, a pioneering figure in trans MMA.
  • Layshia Clarendon: Professional basketball player, advocate for LGBTQ+ inclusion in sports.

These athletes represent resilience and progress within the athletic community.

References

Source Material

The information presented on this page is derived from publicly available data, primarily the Wikipedia article on the List of African-American LGBTQ people. The placeholder below will be populated programmatically with the specific sources used.

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References

References

  1.  All entries contain a reliably sourced reference. Entries may also contain a letter indicating Lesbian, Gay, or Bisexual.
A full list of references for this article are available at the List of African-American LGBTQ people Wikipedia page

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Disclaimer

Important Notice

This page was generated by an Artificial Intelligence and is intended for informational and educational purposes only. The content is based on a snapshot of publicly available data from Wikipedia and may not be entirely accurate, complete, or up-to-date. The original source article itself notes that the list is incomplete and requires further citations.

This is not professional advice. The information provided on this website is not a substitute for professional consultation, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of qualified professionals for any specific needs or concerns.

The creators of this page are not responsible for any errors or omissions, or for any actions taken based on the information provided herein.