• Log in
    Out.comFashionEntertainmentDesignLifestyleTravel & NightlifeOut ExclusivesNewsPrintWeddingsVideo
    ADVOCATEPrideOut TravelerPLUSADVOCATE CHANNEL
    Email NewsletterSubscribeSubscriber Services
    CONTACTStaffCAREER OPPORTUNITIESADVERTISE WITH USPRIVACY POLICYPRIVACY PREFERENCESTERMS OF USELEGAL NOTICE
    © 2023 Pride Publishing Inc.
    All Rights reserved
    Out MagazineOut Magazine
    Scroll To Top

    By continuing to use our site, you agree to our Private Policy and Terms of Use.

    Accept

    15 Black Gay & Queer Men From History You Should Know

    Mey Rude
    | 06/19/23

    15 Black Gay & Queer Men From History You Should Know


    Black gay men have always made history.

    Black gay men in history

    The history of America would not exist without Black gay men. They've served as civil rights leaders, revolutionary artists, labor organizers, scientists, politicians, and educators, and their impact has touched every part of this country.

    But still, many Black gay men are forgotten, and erased from history, with their accomplishments being washed away. But American history is Black history, and is Black gay history. So we've put together this list of just some of the important Black gay men who have changed America and the World.

    Bayard Rustin

    Bayard Rustin

    Bayard Rustin was one of America's greatest civil rights leaders. He fought for civil rights for Black Americans, as well as labor rights and gay rights in the '80s. In the '50s and '60s, Rustin organized Freedom Rides, bus boycotts, and marches alongside other civil rights leaders. It was Rustin who taught Martin Luther King Jr. about nonviolent resistance. He was one of the organizers for the March of Washington for Jobs and Freedom, and without his influence and leadership, much of the American civil rights movement never would've happened.

    James Baldwin

    James Baldwin

    Baldwin is one of America's greatest writers, as well as a powerful activist in the civil rights and gay rights movements. When he released his second novel, Giovanni's Room, in 1956, its themes of gay social and self-acceptance in Black communities were something never talked about in such a public way. His writing on Black gay and bisexual men has paved the way for queer writers of all types, and his mark on culture will never be forgotten.

    He and Rustin were two of the only out gay men prominently involved in the American civil rights movement. His books like Go Tell it On the Mountain, Notes of a Native Son, and If Beale Streat Could Talk are considered classics of American writing.

    Alvin Ailey

    Alvin Ailey

    Alvin Ailey was an American dancer, director, choreographer, and activist who changed American dance forever. He founded the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater where he nurtured Black artists and fused theater, modern dance, ballet, and jazz to create works like Revelations, which is recognized as one of the most popular and widely performed ballets in the world.

    Willi Ninja

    Willi Ninja

    Known as "the godfather of voguing," Willi Ninja was a dancer and choreographer who appeared in the documentary Paris Is Burning. With the House of Ninja, which he started in 1982, Ninja was one of the leaders of the vogue dance movement that became popular after the documentary.

    Augustus Granville Dill

    Augustus Granville Dill

    Granville Dill was a student of W.E.B. Du Bois and served as the business manager of The Crisis, a magazine written by Black writers during the Harlem Renaissance. He was a member of the NAACP and made major contributions to race relations in labor. He was arrested for "homosexual activities" in 1928 and was stripped of his position at The Crisis.

    Paris Dupree

    Paris Dupree

    The founding member and mother of the House of Dupree, Paris Dupree is said to be one of the originators of voguing. According to legend, Dupree was at a nightclub called Footsteps when some gay Black men started throwing shade at each other. Dupree started dancing, pulling a copy of Vogue magazine out of his bag, and stopped, posing to the beat while imitating the models' poses.

    In 1981, the House of Dupree hosted a ball that introduced the concept of categories to the ballroom scene. Today's voguing competitions and balls are still influenced by Dupree.

    *Editor's Note: As with many LGBTQ+ elders, it can be difficult to be definitive about someone's identity prior to the 1990s. Some, today, consider Dupree to be a trans woman. Within the ballroom community, Dupree walked as a "butch queen in drags" which was generally understood to be a gay man wearing feminine garments -- some might term this nonbinary or gender nonconforming today. Dupree used pronouns interchangeably. As there was very little writing from the community's perspective at the time, it is unknown what Dupree would have self-identified as given the chance. As a result, we have decided to go with the general understanding of Dupree's ballroom category for the purposes of this story.

    William Dorsey Swann

    William Dorsey Swann

    William Dorsey Swann was the original "queen of drag." He was born into slavery, but after the Civil War he got a job as a hotel waiter. In the 1880s and 1890s, Swan started to organize a series of balls in Washington, D.C. where he declared himself the "queen of drag." At these secret balls, other formerly enslaved men would dress up in dresses and have a chance to be their true selves.

    Swan was arrested multiple times, including the first documented case of arrest for female impersonation in the United States in 1888. In 1896, he was falsely imprisoned for running a brothel and requested a pardon from President Grover Cleveland. While his request was denied, Swann became the first American on record to pursue legal or political action to defend the LGBTQ+ community's right to gather.

    Ellis Haizlip

    Ellis Haizlip

    Haizlip was the creator and executive producer of the TV show Soul!, an arts program that was one of the first shows on TV to showcase Black artists and musicians like Nikki Giovanni, Roberta Flack, and Ashford and Simpson. He also produced plays starring actors like Cicely Tyson and James Earl Jones, and performances by Alvin Ailey's dance company.

    Langston Hughes

    Langston Hughes

    One of the leaders of the Harlem Renaissance and one of America's greatest poets, Langston Hughes was first published in The Crisis magazine. His poems, plays, and writings on Black life in America changed the way the world looked at African Americans. He was also a civil rights leader, writing a weekly column in the Black newspaper The Chicago Defender. His poems are still taught in schools across the country today.

    Alain Locke

    Alain Locke

    Alain LeRoy Locke was the first African American Rhodes Scholar, as well as a writer, philosopher, and educator who became known as the "Dean" of the Harlem Renaissance. He wrote and put together the book The New Negro, considered one of the landmarks in Black literature. He's considered one of the great Black philosophers in American history.

    Richard Bruce Nugent

    Richard Bruce Nugent

    While the Harlem Renaissance was filled with Black gay writers, Nugent was one of the few who was publicly out at the time. His outspoken depictions of homosexuality sometimes caused him to fall out of favor with other, more discreet contemporaries, but his writing and art, including the short story "Smoke, Lilies, and Jade," on interracial male desire, have stood the test of time.

    Wallace Thurman

    Wallace Thurman

    Another member of the Harlem Renaissance, Thurman's best known novel is The Blacker the Berry: A Novel of Negro Life, which explores colorism in the Black community. His flat in a rooming house during the Harlem Renaissance was used as a meeting room for many young and avant-garde Black artists and writers at the time, including Langston Hughes, Zora Neale Hurston, and Richard Bruce Nugent.

    John T. Graves of the Society For Human Rights

    the former headquarters of the Society for Human Rights

    Graves was a Black clergyman who served as the first president and co-director of the Society for Human Rights (the former headquarters of which are pictured), the first recognized gay rights organization in the United States. Founded by German immigrant Henry Gerber and influenced by German doctor Magnus Hirschfeld, the Society for Human Rights was formed in Illinois in 1924. The group released a newsletter and hoped to educate the world on the negative treatment of homosexuals at the time. The group only had seven members at it's founding, and just a year after its founding, it was shut down after the police arrested Graves, Gerber, and other members on false charges that they performed homosexual acts in front of one member's children.

    Glenn Burke

    Glenn Burke

    Glenn Burke wasn't only the first Major League Player to come out as gay during his career and publicly acknowledge his sexuality, he also invented the high five in 1977. That year, he ran onto the field to congratulate his teammate Dusty Baker on hitting his 30th home run, when he raised his hand over his head and Baker slapped it. Burke was among the first class of inductees into the National Gay and Lesbian Sports Hall of Fame.

    Phill Wilson

    Phill Wilson

    Phill Wilson and his partner were diagnosed with HIV in the early '80s and soon became one of the leading HIV/AIDS activists in the country. He has worked for the AIDS Project in Los Angeles, served as the co-chair of the Los Angeles HIV Health Commission, and was appointed to President Barack Obama's Advisory Council on HIV/AIDS. In 1999 he founded the Black AIDS Institute.

    Latest Stories

    Queer Halloween Costume Ideas 2023
    Celebs
    Badge
    gallery

    15 Timely, Queer Costume Ideas For Halloween 2023

    11h
    Nicholas Galitzine
    Celebs
    Badge
    gallery

    25 Steamy Pics of Nicholas Galitzine, Who Just Turned 29

    14h
    queer movies
    Film
    Badge
    gallery

    10 LGBTQ+ Movies Coming Out This Fall/Winter We're Excited AF For

    September 29 2023 1:45 PM
    Christian Siriano; Cardi B; Kristen Kish
    Television
    Badge
    gallery

    LGBTQ+ Reality Stars Who Became Judges & Hosts on TV Shows

    September 28 2023 3:49 PM
    Brewing the Perfect Cup With These Coffee Essentials
    Lifestyle
    Badge
    gallery

    Brewing the Perfect Cup With These Coffee Essentials

    September 28 2023 12:58 PM
    Stefanos Kasselakis
    Politics
    Badge
    gallery

    This Handsome Politician Could Become Greece's 1st Gay Prime Minister

    September 27 2023 12:49 PM
    Avalon TV
    Television
    Badge
    gallery

    Symone & Gigi Goode Pay Tribute to 'Spice World' in 1st 'Avalon TV' Trailer

    September 27 2023 11:40 AM
    Travel Essentials for Trips Around the World
    Lifestyle
    Badge
    gallery

    Travel Essentials for Trips Around the World

    September 26 2023 12:35 PM
    Russell Tovey; Ariana DeBose; Joel Kim Booster
    Celebs
    Badge
    gallery

    Here's How Celebs Are Reacting to the WGA & Studios Reaching a Deal to End the Strike

    September 25 2023 1:55 PM
    2023 Mister International
    Entertainment
    Badge
    gallery

    These Studs Competed in the 2023 Mister International Pageant

    September 25 2023 11:45 AM
    9 Celebrities Who Came Out As Bisexual in 2023
    Celebs
    Badge
    gallery

    9 Celebrities Who Came Out As Bisexual in 2023

    September 23 2023 2:10 PM
    Bi-Themed Gear for You & Your Home to Celebrate Bisexuality Day
    Lifestyle
    Badge
    gallery

    Bi-Themed Gear for You & Your Home to Celebrate Bisexuality Day

    September 22 2023 12:53 PM
    Beyoncé Rights Airline's Wrong, Helps Disabled Fan Attend the Renaissance World Tour
    Music
    Badge
    gallery

    Beyoncé Rights Airline's Wrong, Helps Disabled Fan Attend the Renaissance World Tour

    September 22 2023 11:50 AM
    Wesley Campbell
    Sports
    Badge
    gallery

    Meet Wesley Campbell, Out Gay Figure Skater Who's Now Coaching

    September 21 2023 4:52 PM
    Sandra Diaz-Twine; Peppermint; Janelle Pierzina
    Television
    Badge
    gallery

    Meet the Reality TV Legends Competing on 'The Traitors' Season 2

    September 21 2023 12:32 PM
    9 Movies to Watch If You Loved 'Red, White & Royal Blue'
    Film
    Badge
    gallery

    9 Movies to Watch If You Loved 'Red, White & Royal Blue'

    September 21 2023 9:47 AM
    Choriza May
    Celebs
    Badge
    gallery

    Choriza May Accuses Uber Driver of Discriminating Against Her in Drag

    September 20 2023 11:31 AM
    Sustainable Products to Celebrate National Recycling Week
    Lifestyle
    Badge
    gallery

    Sustainable Products to Celebrate National Recycling Week

    September 19 2023 2:20 PM
    Layton Williams; Nikita Kuzmin
    Television
    Badge
    gallery

    Meet Layton Williams & Nikita Kuzmin, 'Strictly's New Same-Sex Dance Couple

    September 19 2023 1:41 PM
    Kyle Krieger
    Celebs
    Badge
    gallery

    30 Steamy Pics of Kyle Krieger That Will Definitely Turn Up the Heat

    September 18 2023 1:45 PM

    Trending stories

    Meet Two Amazing Activists Speaking Up About Black Women and HIV

    Kansas Police Chief Suspended Following Raid of Local Newspaper

    Not Much Has Changed Since the Last House Speaker Challenge 100 Years Ago

    Monday's Top Stories: Charlotte Sena Abduction, Tupac Shakur, Government Shutdown

    Pride Under The Pines Returns to the Southern California Mountains This Weekend

    It’s Fat Bear Week – Here’s How You Can Weigh In With Your Vote

    30 Leather Clad Photos From Folsom Street Fair 2023 That Have Us Tied Up In Knots

    Who Is Laphonza Butler, California's New, History-Making U.S. Senator?

    STI Rates, Including HIV, Could Spike Due to Medicaid Cuts

    20 Steamy Pics of 2023 Mister International Winner Kim Goodburn

    Why Are Nuts the Healthy On-The-Go Food? Let Us Count the Ways.

    George Santos Really Wants You to Meet His Husband

    Gavin Newsom Chooses Queer Democratic Activist Laphonza Butler to Fill Dianne Feinstein’s Senate Seat

    ’Tis the Season for Stuffing – URGE Miami Festival 2023 Returns for Thanksgiving

    Ghana's Newest Anti-LGBTQ+ Law Sparks Protests

    Cool Tokyo Design Hotspots for LGBTQ+ Travelers

    John Oliver Wants You to Unionize: 'Find Power in Each Other'

    A Chat with Torrian Baskerville on Gay Men's HIV/AIDS Awareness Day

    DRUK's Vicki Vivacious & Michael Marouli On Being Besties Before The Show

    Sen. Dianne Feinstein, Trailblazing LGBTQ+ Rights Advocate, Dies at 90

    Gay Weatherman Erick Adame Reveals If He'll Join OnlyFans

    Arrests Follow HIV Funding Protest at Speaker McCarthy's Office

    Tom Hanks Warns Against Ad Using Fake 'AI Version of Me'

    Pete Buttigieg Has to Keep Explaining to Republicans That Seasons Aren't Climate Change

    Taylor Dayne Talks Friendship With RuPaul & Her Love For The Gays

    Most Recent

    Delaware Becomes 17th State to Outlaw 'Gay and Trans Panic' Defense

    Travis Scott Investigated For Assault and $12,000 in Property Damage

    Donatella Versace Blasts the Italian Government’s Wave of Anti-LGBTQ+ Policies

    37 LGBTQ+ Movies & TV Shows Coming In October 2023 & Where To Watch Them

    11 Problematic Halloween Costume Ideas You Should NEVER Attempt

    Travel Essentials for Trips Around the World

    HIV Warrior Ronnie Grace Battling Stage 4 Cancer

    Pope Francis's Stance on LGBTQ+ People Challenged by Group of Five Cardinals

    Grace Van Dien, Stranger Things Actor, Says She's Turning Down Roles Over Sexual Harassment

    Meet the Virginia Buddhist Who Is Leading a Charge to Ban Books

    MSNBC’S Ali Velshi on How Banned Books Save Lives

    How to Honor Senior Survivors of HIV

    Get Ready for Provincetown’s Third-Annual Washashore Festival Featuring a Rising Tide of Queer Musical Talent

    New 'Drag Race' Host Is a Legendary Activist Living With HIV

    Jared Fields Responds to 'Big Brother' Negative Backlash

    Canada Has Some of the Highest Mpox Rates in the World

    Stewart Taylor Releases New Breakup Anthem "Favorite Ex"

    DACA Immigration Policy Ruled Unlawful, But Allowed to Continue

    Lisa Rinna Does PTown

    George W. Bush Calls Out Republicans Trying to End HIV Program PEPFAR

    Former Abercrombie & Fitch CEO Mike Jeffries Accused Of Sexual Exploitation

    SF Leather Week Opens with Inauguration of World’s First Leather and Queer History Public Space

    Dr. Randa Jaafar on Her New Practice & Helping Women Feel Their Best

    Jinkx Monsoon Supports JVN & Destroys 'False Ally' Dax Shepard In Powerful Video

    Recommended Stories for You

    Delaware Becomes 17th State to Outlaw 'Gay and Trans Panic' Defense

    Travis Scott Investigated For Assault and $12,000 in Property Damage

    Donatella Versace Blasts the Italian Government’s Wave of Anti-LGBTQ+ Policies

    37 LGBTQ+ Movies & TV Shows Coming In October 2023 & Where To Watch Them

    11 Problematic Halloween Costume Ideas You Should NEVER Attempt

    Travel Essentials for Trips Around the World

    HIV Warrior Ronnie Grace Battling Stage 4 Cancer

    Pope Francis's Stance on LGBTQ+ People Challenged by Group of Five Cardinals

    Grace Van Dien, Stranger Things Actor, Says She's Turning Down Roles Over Sexual Harassment

    Meet the Virginia Buddhist Who Is Leading a Charge to Ban Books

    MSNBC’S Ali Velshi on How Banned Books Save Lives

    How to Honor Senior Survivors of HIV

    Get Ready for Provincetown’s Third-Annual Washashore Festival Featuring a Rising Tide of Queer Musical Talent

    New 'Drag Race' Host Is a Legendary Activist Living With HIV

    Jared Fields Responds to 'Big Brother' Negative Backlash

    Canada Has Some of the Highest Mpox Rates in the World

    Stewart Taylor Releases New Breakup Anthem "Favorite Ex"

    DACA Immigration Policy Ruled Unlawful, But Allowed to Continue

    Lisa Rinna Does PTown

    George W. Bush Calls Out Republicans Trying to End HIV Program PEPFAR

    Former Abercrombie & Fitch CEO Mike Jeffries Accused Of Sexual Exploitation

    SF Leather Week Opens with Inauguration of World’s First Leather and Queer History Public Space

    Dr. Randa Jaafar on Her New Practice & Helping Women Feel Their Best

    Jinkx Monsoon Supports JVN & Destroys 'False Ally' Dax Shepard In Powerful Video