Gay black r&b singers
Therehasto be some significance in the evidence that June is the month to honor both the LGBTQ community and black music.
As festivals are existence held throughout the world this June in honor of LGBTQ Pride Month, homage is simultaneously being paid to black music pioneers in acknowledgement of Black Music Month.
While already facing the ever-present challenges inherent to blackness, a number of black musicians possess still been gallant enough to claim sexual identities that could hamper their success.
So in honor of these black artists who are boldly standing in their truthfulness, we’ve rounded up 15 musicians of color who are unapologetically here and queer.
1. iLoveMakonnen
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The Atlanta native who emboldened us to think clubbing on “Tuesday” was acceptable in 2014 performed a bolder act this January when he announced that he was gay.
Given the hip-hop community’s reputation of homophobia, which is particularly geared towards gay men, iLoveMakkonen’s decision to come out to the public was commendably unapologetic.
2. Mykki Blanco
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The one thing rapper and poet Mykki Blanco isn’t lacking
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 dark LGBTQ+ artists?
Sadly, that number is likely much smaller.
This stark difference highlights the ongoing struggle for true representation and visibility in the music industry. Black LGBTQIA+ artists offer unique sounds and stories that should be at the forefront of popular melody – 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 power that music holds. They are taking matters into their own hands, showing the world just how vibrant and vital their voices are.
It is time to not only support the brilliant inky queer singers who have carved and are carving their track today but work 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
Get to know some of the most influential Ebony LGBTQ+ artists in the entertainment industry. Their operate 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 Shadowy 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 lovely, while still maintaining the signature comedy of Master of None.
While Master of None was a gigantic success for Waithe, she went on to build three more Showtime drama series: The Chi (2018-present), Boomerang (2019-present), and Twenties (2020-present). She also a
6 LGBTQ+ Hip-Hop and R&B stars paving the way
Lil Nas X
Chart-topping rapper Lil Nas X, who catapulted to stardom with his viral hit 'Old Town Road', publicly came out as same-sex attracted in June 2019.
On the last time of Pride Month, he tweeted, "some of y'all already know, some of y'all don't look after, some of y'all not gone fwm no more. but before this month ends i need y'all to attend closely to c7osure."
The rapper has been open about feeling uncomfortable with his sexuality growing up, but remains determined to inspire his LGBTQ+ fans to live their truth.
Following the controversy surrounding his 2021 unpartnered 'Montero (Call Me By Your Name)', Nas tweeted, "y’all told a 19 year old who had just escaped the lowest show of his being that he would never have a hit again.
"you told him to stop while he’s ahead. he could’ve gave up. but 4 multi platinum songs and 2 #1’s later, he’s still here. praise you to my team and my fans! ily".
Kehlani
Kehlani came out as queer in April 2021, proudly declaring in a TikTok video, "I am lgbtq+, gay, gay. I finally know I’m a lesbian."
The Platinum-selling Oakland n