1. Langston Hughes: The Voice of Black America, and a Subtle Queer Icon

Langston Hughes is widely regarded as a leading voice of the Harlem Renaissance. Known for his powerful poetry, essays, and plays that depicted the Black experience in America, Hughes expressed ideas of resilience, identity, and pride. Though he never publicly came out, Hughes’ work and personal letters have led many scholars to believe he was queer.

His poems often hinted at themes of same-sex desire, such as in “Café: 3 a.m.,” which sympathetically portrays a queer space and the vulnerability of those within it. Hughes’ subtle queerness allowed him to explore themes of secrecy and belonging, experiences that were acutely felt by many Black and queer individuals. Through his coded language, Hughes subtly offered a voice to those who lived on the fringes, not only of racial but also sexual identity. 

2. Gladys Bentley: Breaking Gender Norms in Jazz and Blues

Gladys Bentley was a larger-than-life blues singer known for her gender-bending performances and powerhouse voice. Bentley often performed in men’s clothing, donning tuxedos and top hats as she belted out suggestive lyrics in Harlem clubs. She unapologetically challenged gender norms, performing as an openly lesbian artist in an era when such defiance was rare. Bentley’s flamboyant performances at Harlem’s Clam House—a popular gay speakeasy—drew large, diverse crowds who were captivated by her audacity and charm.

Bentley’s popularity and visibility paved the way for more gender-fluid expressions within jazz and blues, challenging restrictive social expectations. Her legacy lives on as a reminder that gender fluidity and queerness were integral parts of the Harlem Renaissance’s fearless spirit. Bentley wasn’t just a musician; she was a revolutionary figure who symbolized the freedom to live authentically.

Ethel Waters: A Voice of Queer Resilience in the Harlem Renaissance

Ethel Waters' influence on the queer aspect of the Harlem Renaissance was profound, as she navigated the complexities of race, gender, and sexuality in a deeply segregated and conservative society. Her powerful voice and emotionally charged performances resonated with audiences, allowing her to convey themes of love, longing, and heartache that spoke to the experiences of many in the LGBTQ+ community. By becoming one of the first Black women to achieve mainstream success in theater and music, Waters broke down barriers and paved the way for future queer artists. Her close relationships with women, although not publicly defined in terms of sexual identity, reflected a fluidity that echoed the struggles and desires of those grappling with their own identities during the Renaissance. Through her art and presence, Waters created a space for self-expression and authenticity, embodying the spirit of the Harlem Renaissance as a movement that celebrated diversity in all its forms.

4. Richard Bruce Nugent: Openly Gay and Unapologetically Bold

Richard Bruce Nugent was one of the few Harlem Renaissance artists who lived as openly gay. As a writer, painter, and actor, Nugent’s work was unapologetically bold and often centered around queer themes. His story “Smoke, Lilies, and Jade” is considered one of the first published works by an African American that openly explores same-sex desire. The story’s fluid, dreamlike style defied traditional narrative structures and openly depicted queer relationships, a radical choice in the 1920s.

Nugent’s art made him a standout in the Harlem Renaissance, and his openness about his sexuality allowed him to create work that didn’t shy away from topics of intimacy, love, and passion between men. His willingness to live openly, even in a restrictive era, created space for queer visibility within the movement and inspired others to explore their own truths.