Gladys Bentley – A 20th Century Pioneer

Let’s celebrate Gladys Bentley, an early 20th century LGBTQ pioneer. She first appeared in 1920 in Harlem. She eventually moved to Hollywood and passed in 1960.
To learn more about Gladys Bentley, follow the links below.


Start with this video shared from YouTube. Looks like a Pride party to me! You will find more videos in the links below. The “Drag King” video in the American Masters link is one you’ll not want to miss.

AMERICAN MASTERS Gladys Bentley: Drag King of the Harlem Renaissance

THE MIRACULOUS MASCULINITY OF GLADYS BENTLEY

Gladys Bentley: Blues Singer

Queer Portraits in History

Gladys Bentley: The Tale of Harlem’s Most Famous Lesbian

National Museum of African American History & Culture

Blues Singer Gladys Bentley Broke Ground With Marriage to a Woman in 1931

BIOGRAPHY: GLADYS BENTLEY – MUSICIAN


UUJMCA STANDS WITH OUR SIBLINGS IN THE LGBTQ COMMUNITY AND WE WISH YOU A SAFE AND HAPPY PRIDE MONTH!

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