PRIDE
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Gladys Bentley, a prominent figure of the Harlem Renaissance, was a gender non-conforming Black woman who faced significant societal challenges. Born in 1907, she became a popular entertainer, performing in men’s attire and celebrating her queer identity.
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Songs, like art, can take on a life of their own. In 1978, the Village People came out with the song “Y.M.C.A.” where they all performed in different characterized outfits.
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William Dorsey Swann, the first self-proclaimed drag queen, was born into slavery in 1860. He organized drag balls for formerly enslaved men in Washington D.C., despite societal prejudice. Swann faced multiple arrests for cross-dressing, symbolizing early LGBT+ resistance. His legacy highlights the importance of queer history and activism.
Myths & Mischief 