Gay black musicians
Get to know some of the most influential Shadowy LGBTQ+ artists in the entertainment industry. Their serve is inspirational and impactful, not to mention the incredible obstacles they own 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 Jet 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 charming , while still maintaining the signature comedy of Master of None.
While Master of None was a large success for Waithe, she went on to make three more Showtime drama series: The Chi (2018-present), Boomerang (2019-present), and Twenties (2020-present). She also a
Black and Queer Artists Construct Us a Very Ebony and Queer Playlist
Vincint. Photo by Gabriel Goldberg.
If there’s anything that brings the people together, it’s melody. With Black History Month slowly coming to an end, we’ve gathered eleven of our favorite Inky, queer, and trans artists to celebrate other Dark, queer, and trans artists. Between rappers and DJs, producers and singers, there’s an old-school or contemporary track here for everyone. Below, artists like Honey Dijon, Mykki Blanco, Vincint, and more discuss their favorite songs produced or performed by other inky LGBTQ+ artists, and why they’re just as inspiring now as when they were made.
Honey Dijon
“Leviticus: Faggot (The Glee Club Vocal Mix” by Meshell Ndegeocello
Photo by Ricardo Gomes.
“I keep in mind hearing this for the first time at a club in Chicago and was completely blown by the lyrics. I had never heard the pos faggot used in an artistic way. It was usually a word used to hurt or lower queer people and here it was being used to describe the painful experience of coming out. To hear it on huge club speakers was powerful and healing. The fact that it was
As we end this eventful month, we celebrate the LGBTQIA+ community and Shadowy Music Month. Some of the most influential pop culture trends, fashion and music pioneers derive from a creative community that identifies as both. And to appreciate the next-generation artists who are switching the game, here are several Black and Homosexual musicians you need in your rotation.
Amaare
Ghanaian-American performer Amaare is known for her airy falsetto tone and fusing genres to create upbeat dance tracks. Her signature mix of afro-beats and pop song was prominent on her latest hit album, “Fountain Baby”
Destin Conrad
R&B isn’t dead, and Destin Conrad can sing to verify it. The 23-year-old has an unforgettable sultry voice and knows how to make a catchy get together, but you might also recognize him as having an attractive sense of humor. The singer gained popularity for making comedic short videos when “Vine” was at its peak.
Blood Orange
Fluidity and its finest. Devyn Hynes, also known as Blood Orange, has been able to ebb and flow his musical work and sexuality. His lyricism is centered around vulnerability, aiming to connect the modern indie pop fans.
UMI
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 public presence in the music industry. Black LGBTQIA+ artists provide unique sounds and stories that should be at the forefront of famous 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, representing the world just how vibrant and vital their voices are.
It is second to not only assist the brilliant black gay singers who have carved and are carving their path today but labor 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
.