More and more famous lesbians and bisexual women are coming out of the closet. Coming out as lesbian or bisexual for celebrities is not the career suicide it once was. Within the African American community, the era known as The Harlem Renaissance was also a time where many gay and lesbian performers felt free to be out of the closet. Here is a list of some famous African American lesbians and bisexual women.
1. Sheryl Swoopes
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WNBA player Sheryl Swoopes was the first African American lesbian sports figure to come out as lesbian. "My reason for coming out isn't to be some sort of hero," Swoopes said. "I'm just at a point in my life where I'm tired of having to pretend to be somebody I'm not. I'm tired of having to hide my feelings about the person I care about. About the person I love."
2. Audre Lorde
Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division
Audre Lorde was a Black Feminist Lesbian Poet who published 20 books of poetry and prose. She was an inspiration to many lesbians and is widely quoted. She died of cancer in 1992.
3. Barbara Jordan
Photograph by Tom O'Halloran, 1976 April 7, Courtesy of the Library of Congress
Barbara Jordan was a true trailblazer. She broke many barriers for women in politics. It was only after her death in 1996 that her sexual orientation was revealed to the public.
4. Wanda Sykes
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Comedian and Actress Wanda Sykes came out at a rally in Las Vegas on November 15, 2008 as part of the national day of protest against California's anti-gay Prop 8, Wanda Sykes announced, "I am proud to be gay!" She also told of marrying her girlfriend on October 25th 2008.
5. Ma Rainey
Ma Rainey is often called "Mother of the Blues." She was openly bisexual and was rumored to have had a relationship with Bessie Smith.
6. Jacqueline Woodson
photograph by Marty Umans © 2006
Jacqueline Woodson is the author of fiction for young adults. In her books she often deals with issues of race and sexuality.
7. Gladys Bentley
Although Gladys Bentley was out early in her life, this famous Blues singer later recanted her homosexuality and attempted to live a straight life.
8. Mabel Hampton
Mabel Hampton, a Black lesbian pioneer inspired many during her 87 year stay on this planet.9. Doria Roberts
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Doria Roberts rise to fame began when she was selected to take part in Lilith Faire in 1999. Unfortunately, it was a time when the music industry was pretty homophobic and Doria had to choose between being an out and major record deals.
