When most think of Coretta Scott King, the image of her just being the wife of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. comes to mind. However, as Dr. King tirelessly pushed for equality and eradication of segregation, it was his wife who would become one of the LGBT community’s most noted advocate and ally.

From meeting with numerous presidents, African dignitaries, prominent political figures, and overall, fighting to change the notion that civil rights is just a black or white issue but also an LGBT issue. Mrs. King’s activism occurred largely after the assassination of her husband and her prominence brought awareness and hope to the LGBT struggle for equality. Not only did Mrs. King speak out against homophobia, as she likened it to racism and bigotry, she also physically made efforts to unionize the LGBT community and the African American community, as she saw no difference in the plight of both groups. Read the rest of this entry »

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Audre Lorde, a self-described “black, lesbian, mother, warrior, poet,” remains a celebrated figure in our community for her contributions to gay culture through her published works and activism. Read the rest of this entry »

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Actor, model, and world-renowned drag performer Rupaul Andre Charles, better known as simply RuPaul, has been credited for bringing the art form of drag performance into mainstream acceptance. Born in San Diego, California, RuPaul gravitated to the arts and theater from the time he was in high school. He moved to Atlanta, Georgia when he was 16 years old and often claims “Hotlanta” as his home.

He started out in the business with a music group he called “RuPaul and the U-hauls.” He made the move from Atlanta to New York in his late twenties. After some stumbling blocks, RuPaul eventually Read the rest of this entry »

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Charles Pugh, a TV reporter turned politician, made history in 2009 as the first openly gay elected official in the city of Detroit. In an overwhelming show of support, Pugh won a seat onto Detroit city council and replaced Cockrel as council president.

Born and raised in Detroit, Pugh rose up from what some might call insurmountable circumstances. Pugh’s mother was murdered when he was only 3 years old. Four years later, Pugh’s father committed suicide when he shot himself in the head just across the hall from Charles’ bedroom, leaving him to make a 911 call no child should ever have to make. Raised by his grandmother, Pugh went on to become an honor student in high school and eventually left Detroit to attend the University of Missouri on a journalism scholarship. He did a stint as a reporter in Virginia and Indiana before returning to his hometown to join the Detroit Fox 2 News team.

Pugh is known for being a very public and positive figure in the LGBT community. Unapologetically gay, Pugh Read the rest of this entry »

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An important voice during and pre-Civil Rights movement, James Baldwin was an openly gay writer, author, artist, and activist on social issues. His writings are both powerful and timeless. He has penned several poignant and controversial books including, “Giovanni’s Room,” “Go Tell It on the Mountain,” “The Fire Next Time,” and “Another Country.”

Baldwin was also Read the rest of this entry »

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Bayard Rustin.  You may not know his name but you should. He was a major figure behind the scenes during the civil rights movement of the 1960’s in the United States. He counseled Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. on techniques of non-violence. In fact, Bayard Rustin was the organizer of Dr. King’s 1963 March on Washington, wherein Dr. King gave his ever so revered “I Have A Dream” speech. The organization of an event of that magnitude was no easy feat, yet, few members of the African-American community even know his name, furthermore credit him for the role he played. Bayard Rustin’s sexuality was hardly a secret. Yet, he often held a low-key presence as to not distract the message of the movement or give the “haters” of that time fodder for their subversive agenda.

His humanitarian work did Read the rest of this entry »

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Willi Ninja, known as the Godfather of Voguing and Mother of the House of Ninja, was an instrumental figure in the New York black gay ballroom scene of the 1980s. Although voguing originated in Harlem in the early 1930s, it remained underground until the 1980s when Willi brought visibility to the art form and elevated it to what it is today.

The world was introduced to Willi when he starred in the 1990 award-winning documentary “Paris Is Burning,” which provided an introspective into the New York vogue-ball scene. Willi was also featured in Malcolm McLaren’s “Deep in Vogue” music video and later served as the inspiration for Madonna’s music video “Vogue.” Read the rest of this entry »

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Do you think you exemplify swag? Or do you know someone who does? Well, then, reach down in your swag bag and show us what you got.

Submit a pic and brief explanation as to why you exemplify gay swag to blackgaygossip@gmail.com. Our staff at BGG will review your submission, contact you and if chosen, you will be featured on our site as being swag-a-rific.

Note: submissions are on an on-going basis.

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