Black History Comes Out of the Closet

By Keith Boykin, in sexuality
Wednesday, February 8 2006, 1:56AM

Lorraine Hansberry James Baldwin Bayard Rustin Audre LordeEach day this month, the National Black Justice Coalition is profiling a new person in black history. But the profiles go beyond the traditional Black History Month stories. Instead, many of these stories talk about the rich and diverse backgrounds of prominent African Americans who happened to be same-gender-loving, bisexual or gay.

Among those profiled so far are civil rights activist Bayard Rustin, dancer and choreographer Alvin Ailey, Harvard University Chaplain Rev. Peter Gomes, U.S. District Court Judge Deborah Batts, Underground Railroad Conductor Harriet Tubman and Queen Hatshepsut of Egypt. Visit the NBJC web site to find out more and sign up for the NBJC email alerts so you can start to receive the daily Black History Month profiles in your inbox.

Comments (5) reveal

Comments conceal

alicia banks
February 8 2006, 1:10PM

wow

thanks keith

u make legions of our african ancestors proud....always

we homos are everywhere

always have been...always will be

no mayyet what gaybasher desire or deny

we are ancient

we are eternal

love
ab

Derrick from Philly
February 8 2006, 5:20PM

Where and how would we place Richard Pettiman on the list of profiles of black Gay, SGL historic figures? Even though Little Richard swung back and forth in his acceptance (and denial) of his homosexuality, he was the most important figure in the development of Rock n' Roll. Also, he was well known and a member (when he wanted to be) of the black Gay sub-culture of the 1940's & 50's. In his autobiography he(whether he meant to or not) gave us a picture of what it was like to be black and "out of the closet" in the South and black communities back then (again, whether he wanted to or not).

Little Richard may have bounced back and forth about being proud to be "in the life" but he was an important black Gay figure nevertheless (whether he wants to be or not).

trent
February 8 2006, 10:08PM

I am hoping Langston Hughes will be in a profile from the Nation Black Justice Coalition. Moreover, I wish that I could write the profile of him because of my familiarity with his life and work. I perhaps know more about Hughes than it is decent for any person to know. The man is a hero to me and an inspiration. He loved his people, black folks. Long before the motto of "black is beautiful," Hughes was already writing about it.

In this day when a number of black gay men base their self-esteem on whether or not a white man admires them, it is nice knowing that Langston Hughes saw the beauty in other black men and favored them so much in his life and work, especially those very handsome dark brothers.

S. Shannon
February 8 2006, 11:37PM

Thank you brother for awakening the spirit of black intelligensia.. I salute your efforts in transcending both warped and fresh minds!

James
February 9 2006, 1:20PM

These e-mails about out GLBT heroes and sheroes have been great! I really look forward to getting them and passing them on to friends. I wish these could be made into a series of posters so I could decorate my office with them.