As Black History Month ends and Women’s History Month begins, it’s important to take some time to highlight more overlooked or underrepresented individuals in black history. Often black, LBTQ+ icons are appreciated without highlighting their sexuality or not truly recognized as a part of black history at all. Considering the conservative ways of teaching within the U.S. as well as the stigma surrounding the LGBTQ+ community as a whole, we do not typically learn about black LGBTQ+ figures. When it comes to some of the historical figures we do learn about, it is often left out that they identify as LGBTQ+; not acknowledging that black LGBQT+ history is black history. In lieu of continuing this cycle of underrepresentation of LGBTQ+ individuals in black history, let’s put the spotlight on a few black LGBTQ+ icons who have paved the way in black history:
- Marsha P. Johnson
A significant figure in the Gay Rights Movement in the 1960s, Marsha P. Johnson served as an advocate for LGBTQ+ rights as well as for homeless LGBTQ+ youth and those effected by H.I.V/AIDS. She was a black transgender woman that moved to New York City fresh out of hgihschool with barely anything to her name. Moving from couch to couch unable to find a secure job, she eventually found herself participating in the Stonewall Raid which became the spark for all the LGBTQ+ activism to come. Marsha P. Johnson was a strong advocate for ensuring both transgender individuals and LGBTQ+ people of color were included in the fight for gay rights. Through her endless efforts to support the LGBTQ+ community and their rights as well as her bright personality, Marsha P. Johnson became a pinnacle for black LGBTQ+ history.
- Angela Davis
Angela Davis was a well known civil rights activist; an active member of the black panther party as well as involved with the communist party. A prominent activist in the 1960s, Angela Davis was a voice for oppressed populations and stood her ground on advocating for civil rights for the black community. Angela Davis’ impact is one that is often discussed in reference to black history, however it is often glossed over that she also identified as lesbian. To this day she not only advocates for the rights and protection of the black community but also the LGBTQ+ community.
- Billy Porter
Billy Porter is not only known for his iconic red carpet looks and various roles on broadway and in film, but also for his activism for the LGBTQ+ community. Identifying as a gay man himself, Billy Porter made history being the first openly gay black man to win an Emmy for outstanding lead actor in a drama with his role in the popular netflix series Pose. He has continuously broke boundaries with mot only his self expression, but determination to be aunthentic in his identity and advocate for the LGBTQ+ community.
- Wanda Sykes
A Hampton alumnae herself, Wanda Sykes not only an actress and comedian, but also an activist for LGBTQ+ rights. She is dedicated to ensuring that her platform is used to be a voice for the LGBTQ+ community. A Hampton Alumni and a member of the Gamma Theta chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., Wanda Sykes can not go without mentioning when discussing black LGBTQ+ history.
- Frank Ocean
Moving a bit more towards modern day black LGBTQ+ icons, Frank Ocean is one of the most prominent. Not only has his music become a staple within the black community and across the nation, his lyricism and storytelling also speaks to his experiences as a bisexual man. Being an openly gay black male artist in this generation, despite criticism Frank Ocean has continued to be himself as well as be a light for the black LGBTQ+ community.