Gladys Bentley: Harlem Renaissance Drag King

The 1920's was the era of Gladys Bentley, a well known Blues singer from Philly who thrived in Harlem.  Back then, Harlem was home to many gays and lesbians.  She sang at famous speakeasies, rewriting many popular songs with raunchy lyrics.  It said she married a wife woman in New Jersey and was the subject of much gossip for flaunting her sexuality.  The Great Depression hit Harlem hard and Bentley ended up moving to Los Angeles where they weren't as open to her signature men apparel.  Though it is said she recanted her lesbianism in order to try and save her career, much exist to counter it.  All-in-all, Gladys Bentley is a notable lesbian and apart of our massive history.