Gays and Lesbians and The Harlem Renaissance

The Harlem Renaissance is perhaps best known as a time of cultural explosion for the African American community. The time period of the 1920s and 1930s in New York's Harlem neighborhood saw tremendous amount of art, literature, music and culture develop. Jazz and Blues clubs flourished and people of all races flocked to Harlem to be a part of the burgeoning cultural scene.

Perhaps less known is that The Harlem Renaissance was a time of sexual openness and that gays and lesbians had a big part in creating the art and culture associated with The Harlem Renaissance. As part of our on-going celebration of October as Gay and Lesbian History Month, learn more about gays and lesbians and The Harlem Renaissance.
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