Bayard Rustin and the Black LGBTQ+ Impact on 20th Century African American History

Traditional narratives of African American history are often presented as "straight" history, however Black LGBTQ+ individuals have shaped nearly every aspect of African American history and culture. In this essay you will write on the impact that the Black LGBTQ+ community has had within the wider African American community during the 20th century. You can choose an individual (e.g. James Baldwin, Pauli Murray, Bayard Rustin, Marsha P. Johnson, etc.), a cultural or political movement (e.g. Ballroom culture) or an event (e.g. Stonewall uprising). Note: "Uncle Clifford Rule 245.1" Please do not dead-name trans* individuals. (e.g. If you select Marsha P. Johnson do not list her birth name in your essay.) The (Gay) Harlem Renaissance | The History You Didn't Learn