Black, Queer Artists from 1920 to Now
In celebration of Black History Month, we have put together a list of some of the most influential and significant Black, queer artists over the last 100 years.
Bessie Smith
The “Empress of Blues,” aka Bessie Smith, was one of the first Black superstars. Her music was emotional and honest and resonated with her audience in a deeply personal way. She was also one of the first openly bisexual singers of her time, and she notably influenced Aretha Franklin, Janis Joplin, and Elvis Presley. Her first hit was “Down Hearted Blues,” which was released in 1923.
James Baldwin
James Baldwin was a novelist, essayist, poet, playwright, and activist. A Black, queer man who wrote frequently on issues of race and sexuality, he is arguably one of the most influential writers in American history. Notable works include Go Tell It on the Mountain (1953), Notes of a Native Son (1955), and later, If Beale Street Could Talk (1974). Support a small, Black-owned business by ordering his books from @unclebobbies .
“You have to go the way your blood beats. If you don’t live the only life you have, you won’t live some other life, you won’t live any life at all.” – James Baldwin
Related article: To Be a Black, Queer Woman
Audre Lorde
Poet, novelist, and essayist Audre Lorde has had a profound impact on intersectional feminism today. Her writings addressed issues of sexism and racism and documented her experiences as a Black lesbian. Get started reading Lorde and support a black-owned bookstore (@harriets_bookshop) with The Collected Poems of Audre Lorde, available here, or Sister Outsider: Essays and Speeches, here.
Jean-Michel Basquiat
Jean-Michel Basquiat was a prominent artist in the 1980s who is known for emerging from the graffiti scene and becoming extremely successful as a solo artist. His neo-expressionist paintings were political and frequently referenced social justice issues surrounding class and race. When he was 22, he exhibited at the Whitney Biennial, the youngest artist to ever do so.
Bill T. Jones
Bill T. Jones is one of the most notable and widely respected choreographers and performers of our time. He created the Bill T. Jones/Arnie Zane Dance Company with his late partner Arnie Zane and has choreographed over 120 works that often explore topic of black, gay life in the 80s and 90s.
Related article: Amplifying Black Voices- Bob the Drag Queen
Tourmaline
Tourmaline is an activist, filmmaker, and writer based in New York City. She works on activist projects focused on trans rights, including the film Happy Birthday, Marsha! which delves into the life of trans activist Marsha P. Johnson. She is one of Time’s 100 Most Influential People of 2020 and has work in the MoMA, Tate Modern, and the Brooklyn Museum. Follow her on Instagram @tourmaliiine.
*All photos from Facebook
