The Real Gladys Bentley
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.
The First Queen of Drag
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