3/26/14

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.

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3/20/14

NEWS: "Jesus Would Stone Homos"

How crazy is this?  In Harlem, the ATLAH Worldwide Missionary Church has put up a sign saying that "Jesus would stone homos" and "Stoning is till law."  Such strong hate coming from a place that should be a refuge.  This was their response to changing a message last month directed to President Obama that he "has released the homo demons on the black man. Look out black woman. A white homo may take your man."

Jennifer Louise Lopez, a local lesbian in the area, went to the church for her stoning.  I really don't think they were expecting that. 

(Watch the video on Lopez's Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/jlopez255?fref=ts).)

Lopez has stated to The Huffington Post, "I hope that by going up to the door and presenting myself as the human and the product of Goddess’ {God} creation, churches can begin to understand that us lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people are the very same creations that they are.  My Goddess {God} is one of peace, love and inclusion for everyone. As a United Methodist Christian I would love to see that one day soon all of our churches, including any religion, are able to finally stop the discrimination toward LGBT people."
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