Black Stars Who Supported LGBTQ+ Rights Early

Black entertainers and public figures have played a pivotal role in the fight for LGBTQ+ equality throughout history. Many of these stars used their platforms to advocate for acceptance long before it was mainstream or safe to do so. Their contributions range from subtle lyrical nods in the jazz age to vocal activism during the height of the AIDS epidemic. This list highlights individuals who championed love and identity against prevailing societal norms.

Sylvester

The disco legend known as the Queen of Disco lived openly as a gay man and often performed in drag. His falsetto voice and flamboyant style made him a superstar with hits like ‘You Make Me Feel (Mighty Real)’. He refused to tone down his image for mainstream approval and brought queer culture to the top of the charts. Sylvester bequeathed his royalties to HIV/AIDS charities after his death in 1988. His unapologetic visibility helped define the sound and spirit of the disco era.

Grace Jones

Jones shattered conventional beauty standards with her androgynous look and commanding presence in the 1970s and 1980s. She blended masculine and feminine fashion elements to create a unique persona that captivated the world. Her music and modeling work constantly questioned rigid gender roles and celebrated fluidity. She became a supreme icon for the gay community by frequenting legendary clubs like Studio 54 and the Paradise Garage. Jones proved that strength and beauty were not bound by gender.

Prince

The musical genius challenged traditional concepts of masculinity through his fashion and provocative lyrics. He adopted an androgynous persona that blurred the lines between gender norms and confused critics. Songs like ‘I Would Die 4 U’ featured lyrics that rejected binary labels and embraced a divine fluidity. His boldness paved the way for future artists to express themselves freely without fear of judgment. Prince created a creative space where ambiguity was celebrated rather than condemned.

Sheryl Lee Ralph

Ralph originated the role of Deena Jones in the musical ‘Dreamgirls’ and became a lifelong activist. She founded the DIVA Foundation in 1990 to combat the devastation of HIV and AIDS. Her organization raised awareness when the epidemic was decimating the artistic community and government response was slow. She dedicated decades to educating people about the virus and supporting those affected by the disease. Her commitment to health equity remains a central part of her enduring legacy.

Dionne Warwick

The legendary vocalist was appointed as a United States Ambassador of Health in 1987. Warwick focused heavily on the AIDS crisis when many other public figures ignored or stigmatized the issue. She released the chart-topping anthem ‘That’s What Friends Are For’ to raise millions for research and patient care. Her efforts helped bring compassion and attention to the disease during a critical era. She continues to be a vocal ally who uses her social media to support younger generations.

Whoopi Goldberg

Goldberg has been a staunch ally to the LGBTQ+ community since the beginning of her comedy career. She actively participated in protests and fundraisers during the height of the AIDS crisis. Her portrayal of a lesbian character in ‘The Color Purple’ brought visibility to queer Black women on the big screen. She consistently uses her platform on daytime television to defend gay rights and marriage equality. Goldberg holds a distinct place in history as an entertainer who never shied away from activism.

RuPaul

The supermodel of the world brought drag culture from the underground clubs to mainstream television. RuPaul released ‘Supermodel (You Better Work)’ in 1993 and achieved global success while in full drag. He used his visibility to champion self-love and acceptance for people who felt like outsiders. His long-running reality competition show revolutionized how the world perceives the art of drag. RuPaul has arguably done more for the visibility of queer artists than almost any other entertainer.

Willi Ninja

Ninja was a dancer and choreographer known as the Grandfather of Vogue. He rose to prominence in the Harlem ballroom scene and was featured in the documentary ‘Paris Is Burning’. His work bridged the gap between the underground ballroom culture and the high fashion runway world. He taught models how to walk and brought the art of voguing to global audiences. Ninja used his fame to advocate for HIV awareness before his untimely death.

Janet Jackson

The pop icon dedicated her hit song ‘Together Again’ to friends she lost to AIDS. She spoke openly about the need for tolerance and love in the late nineties when homophobia was rampant. Her music videos frequently featured diverse dancers and celebrated distinct identities within her fan base. Jackson received the GLAAD Vanguard Award for her consistent allyship and impactful visibility. She cemented her status as a gay icon through decades of inclusivity and musical excellence.

Patti LaBelle

LaBelle has maintained a fiercely loyal LGBTQ+ fanbase throughout her career spanning several decades. She openly embraced her gay fans during a time when many R&B artists kept their distance. The singer has lent her voice to numerous HIV/AIDS benefits and causes over the years. She often refers to her gay fans as her children and speaks out against discrimination. LaBelle remains a mother figure to many who found comfort in her soulful music.

André Leon Talley

Talley broke barriers as a Black man in the elite and often exclusionary world of high fashion journalism. He served as a creative director and editor who championed diversity on the runway. His larger-than-life personality and flamboyant style made him a visible queer icon in the industry. He mentored young designers and models while advocating for greater representation of people of color. Talley left a legacy of elegance and resilience in a demanding field.

Oprah Winfrey

Winfrey used her massive television platform to discuss LGBTQ+ issues when they were considered controversial topics. She aired a landmark episode in 1987 filmed in a town in West Virginia to confront AIDS prejudice directly. She famously invited Ellen DeGeneres on her show to discuss her coming out in 1997. Her willingness to humanize gay stories helped shift public opinion in Middle America. Winfrey continues to produce content that highlights diverse experiences and struggles.

Wanda Sykes

Sykes is a celebrated comedian who publicly came out at a rally for same-sex marriage in 2008. She risked her mainstream career to take a stand against Proposition 8 in California. Her comedy often addresses the intersections of race and sexuality with sharp wit and honesty. She became the first openly gay entertainer to perform at the White House Correspondents’ Dinner. Sykes has since become a powerful visibility figure for Black lesbian women in Hollywood.

Queen Latifah

The hip-hop legend and actress has supported the community through her work and personal authenticity. She starred in the biopic ‘Bessie’ which explored the queer life of Bessie Smith with nuance and care. Latifah officiated the mass wedding of thirty-three couples, including same-sex pairs, at the 2014 Grammy Awards. Her career transition from rapper to A-list actor broke numerous barriers for women in entertainment. She fosters an environment of acceptance and respect in all her professional endeavors.

Audra McDonald

McDonald is a Broadway superstar who has been a vocal advocate for marriage equality and trans rights. She famously used her Tony Award acceptance speech to promote love and acceptance for all families. The actress joined the board of directors for Covenant House to help homeless youth, many of whom are LGBTQ+. She refuses to perform in states or venues that enact discriminatory legislation against the community. McDonald consistently uses her theatrical prestige to fight for social justice.

Billy Porter

Porter was breaking barriers in theater long before he became a household name on television. He released music in the nineties that expressed his identity despite industry pressure to remain in the closet. His role in ‘Kinky Boots’ brought a story of drag and acceptance to Broadway audiences. He later shattered red carpet norms by wearing gowns to major award shows. Porter stands as a modern testament to the power of living authentically.

Laverne Cox

Cox made history as the first openly transgender person to be nominated for a Primetime Emmy in an acting category. She rose to fame with her role in ‘Orange Is the New Black’ and used the spotlight to advocate for trans rights. Her appearance on the cover of Time magazine marked a tipping point for transgender visibility in media. She produces documentaries that highlight the struggles and triumphs of trans people. Cox continues to educate the public on the importance of intersectional activism.

Josephine Baker

The world-renowned entertainer fascinated audiences in the 1920s with her boundary-breaking performances. Baker lived openly as a bisexual woman during a time when such concepts were largely taboo. She frequently challenged gender norms by wearing tuxedos and performing in drag on stage. Her iconic song ‘J’ai Deux Amours’ symbolized her love for both her country and her freedom to love whom she chose. She remains a timeless symbol of liberation and artistic courage.

Ma Rainey

Rainey is often celebrated as the Mother of the Blues and was a pioneer for queer visibility in music. Her 1928 song ‘Prove It on Me Blues’ explicitly referenced her attraction to women and her rejection of traditional gender roles. She performed in men’s clothing and lived an unapologetic life that defied the conservative expectations of her era. Her lyrical content provided a voice for lesbian women who rarely saw themselves represented in popular culture. Rainey firmly established herself as a queer icon of the Harlem Renaissance.

Bessie Smith

Smith was the Empress of the Blues and a protégée of Ma Rainey who carried the torch of queer expression. Her powerful voice and commanding stage presence allowed her to explore themes of independence and same-sex desire. Songs like ‘The Boy in the Boat’ featured nuanced lyrics that hinted at her relationships with women. She maintained a fearless attitude regarding her personal life despite the societal pressures of the early twentieth century. Smith left an indelible mark on music history through her raw honesty.

Gladys Bentley

Bentley was a gender-bending performer who became one of the most famous figures of the Harlem Renaissance. She donned a signature white tuxedo and top hat while performing bawdy parodies of popular songs. Her act involved flirting with women in the audience and openly celebrating her masculine identity. Bentley married a woman in a public ceremony in 1931 long before marriage equality was a legal reality. Her boldness paved the way for future drag kings and gender-nonconforming artists.

James Baldwin

The literary giant used his essays and novels to dissect the complexities of race and sexuality in America. Baldwin published ‘Giovanni’s Room’ in 1956 which was a groundbreaking novel centering on a bisexual man. He spoke eloquently about the intersection of being Black and gay during the Civil Rights Movement. His debates and televised appearances forced the public to confront their prejudices against LGBTQ+ individuals. Baldwin remains one of the most vital intellectual voices for equality.

Little Richard

This rock and roll architect brought a flamboyant and queer aesthetic to the mainstream in the 1950s. His makeup and high-energy performances introduced a level of camp that was revolutionary for the time. He struggled publicly with his sexuality throughout his life but ultimately broke barriers for gender expression in music. Artists like Prince and David Bowie cited him as a massive influence on their own fluid personas. Little Richard proved that talent could transcend the rigid boundaries of masculinity.

Eartha Kitt

Kitt was a fierce advocate for civil rights and social justice throughout her legendary career. She openly supported the LGBTQ+ community and frequently performed at benefits to raise money for HIV/AIDS research. The singer stated that she felt a deep connection to the community because they shared the experience of being marginalized. Her song ‘I Love Men’ became a disco anthem that resonated with her gay fanbase. Kitt refused to be silenced on issues of equality until her final days.

Marsha P. Johnson

Johnson was a self-identified drag queen and activist who played a central role in the Stonewall Uprising of 1969. She co-founded the Street Transvestite Action Revolutionaries to support homeless queer youth in New York City. Her joyful presence and tireless advocacy helped spark the modern gay rights movement. She remains a celebrated figure for her dedication to protecting the most vulnerable members of the community. Johnson serves as a reminder that the fight for rights was often led by trans women of color.

Please share which of these trailblazing figures has inspired you the most in the comments.