Kevin Aviance

The queer legacy established by Kevin Aviance spans several decades. But the musician, DJ, and drag performer is all about looking forward while honoring the past.

“I want to have more of a discussion about queer legacy,” he says. “I want to remind people to never forget the contributions our community has given to the world, to show them how far we’ve come and how much further we are willing to go.”

After his hit song “Cunty” was sampled by Beyoncé in the Renaissance track “Pure/Honey,” Aviance’s career experienced a renaissance of its own. Aviance is now booked and busy: touring, performing, and working on new music. But with so many accomplishments to list, Aviance is proudest of “receiving all the love from my community for the work I’ve put in all these years.”

At age 55, Aviance feels like he’s just getting started with a new chapter in his life. His first album, 1999’s Box of Chocolates, turned him into a queer superstar. However, he hasn’t released a new body of work since 2004’s Entity, his second studio album. “The largest obstacle I face is getting out of my own way and allowing those that have the credentials to take me to a higher place with my work,” he explains.

In 2023 Aviance released a brand-new single, “Body,” and is working toward releasing an EP. He is also focused on taking care of himself physically and mentally in order to keep spreading queer Black excellence all over the world. @kevinavianceofficial