Alexis De Veaux Biography Alexis De Veaux is an American writer, poet, playwright, biographer, and educator whose career has spanned more than five decades. Beginning her literary career during the closing years of the Black Arts Movement, she established herself as an influential Black feminist writer whose work explores race, gender, sexuality, spirituality, history, and social justice across multiple literary genres. De Veaux is the author of numerous works of poetry, fiction, biography, drama, children's literature, and nonfiction. She is especially recognized for her acclaimed biographies of Audre Lorde and Yoko Ono, while her broader body of work has documented Black cultural history and expanded conversations about feminism, identity, and liberation through literature. In addition to her writing, De Veaux is Professor Emerita of Liberal Studies at New York University's Gallatin School of Individualized Study. Her scholarship, teaching, and creative work continue to influence Black feminist thought, LGBTQ+ literature, and interdisciplinary studies. BQW Impact Alexis De Veaux has made enduring contributions to Black feminist and queer literature through poetry, fiction, biography, drama, and scholarship. Her work has preserved the stories of influential cultural figures while expanding the visibility of Black feminist and LGBTQ+ voices within American literature. As a writer, biographer, playwright, and educator, she has inspired generations of readers, scholars, and artists committed to social justice, creative expression, and intersectional feminism. Notable Works Warrior Poet: A Biography of Audre Lorde (2004) Landmark biography chronicling the life, activism, and literary legacy of Audre Lorde. Yoko Ono: Collector of Skies (2024) Biography examining the life, artistic vision, and activism of Yoko Ono through extensive research and interviews. Naomi's Diary (1988) Novel exploring Black lesbian identity, family relationships, and self-discovery. Don't Explain: A Song of Billie Holiday (1989) Performance work inspired by the life and legacy of Billie Holiday. An Enchanted Hair Tale (1987) Children's book celebrating Black identity, self-esteem, imagination, and cultural heritage. Learn More Official Website Explore Alexis De Veaux's official website featuring her books, biography, speaking engagements, and current projects. Official Biography Learn more about De Veaux's career, publications, teaching, and literary achievements. New York University Alexis De Veaux Read De Veaux's faculty profile, highlighting her teaching, scholarship, and emerita status at New York University's Gallatin School of Individualized Study. The HistoryMakers Alexis De Veaux Explore De Veaux's oral history reflecting on her life, literary career, activism, and contributions to Black literature and culture. Wikipedia Alexis De Veaux Read an overview of her life, publications, academic career, and contributions to Black feminist and LGBTQ+ literature. Previous Next

Aderonke Apata Biography Aderonke Apata is a Nigerian human rights activist, barrister, feminist, and LGBTQ+ advocate. Born in Nigeria, she sought asylum in the United Kingdom in 2004 after experiencing persecution because of her sexual orientation. Her case drew international attention during a thirteen-year legal battle that culminated in her being granted refugee status in 2017. Determined to better understand the legal system, Apata studied immigration law while pursuing her own case. She later completed her legal training and was Called to the Bar of England and Wales in 2022. She holds a Master of Laws (LL.M.), a Master of Public Health (MPH), a Postgraduate Diploma in Law (PGDL), and is an accredited civil and commercial mediator. In 2014, Apata founded African Rainbow Family, a UK-based charity supporting LGBTQ+ people of African heritage and LGBTQ+ asylum seekers. Through legal advocacy, public speaking, and community organizing, she has become one of the United Kingdom's leading voices for refugee justice, LGBTQ+ equality, and the rights of displaced people. BQW Impact Aderonke Apata has transformed personal adversity into lasting systemic advocacy. Through African Rainbow Family, legal expertise, and public campaigning, she has expanded visibility and support for LGBTQ+ asylum seekers while challenging discriminatory immigration practices. Her leadership has strengthened protections for Black queer migrants and refugees, making her one of the United Kingdom's most influential advocates working at the intersection of race, sexuality, migration, and human rights. Notable Works African Rainbow Family (2014) Founded a UK charity supporting LGBTQ+ people of African heritage and LGBTQ+ asylum seekers through advocacy, education, and community services. 13-Year UK Asylum Campaign Successfully secured refugee status after a landmark legal battle that brought international attention to LGBTQ+ asylum claims. Shutdown Yarl's Wood Campaign Played a leading role in campaigns highlighting conditions at Yarl's Wood Immigration Removal Centre and advocating for detained women. Black Leadership Empowerment Programme (BLEP) Co-developed a leadership program promoting racial equity, Black leadership, and community empowerment. Legal Advocacy and Public Service Uses her legal expertise and mediation training to advocate for LGBTQ+ refugees, asylum seekers, and marginalized communities. Learn More African Rainbow Family Official website of the charity founded by Aderonke Apata, providing advocacy, support services, campaigns, and community resources for LGBTQ+ people of African heritage. African Rainbow Family Meet the Team Official biography outlining Apata's legal qualifications, leadership, and ongoing human rights work. Wikipedia Aderonke Apata Read an overview of Apata's life, asylum case, legal career, activism, awards, and public recognition. The Guardian Nigerian gay rights activist wins UK asylum claim after 13-year battle Coverage of the landmark ruling granting Apata refugee status after thirteen years of legal proceedings. Attitude Pride Award Profile Profile highlighting Apata's advocacy for LGBTQ+ asylum seekers and her recognition through the Attitude Pride Awards. Previous Next

Toya Delazy Biography Toya Delazy is a South African singer-songwriter, producer, performer, and creative visionary whose work merges electronic dance music with Zulu musical traditions, hip-hop, and contemporary pop. Born Latoya Buthelezi into the Zulu royal family, she studied piano from an early age before pursuing a career in music that challenged both artistic and cultural expectations. Following the release of her debut album, Due Drop (2012), Delazy established herself as one of South Africa's most distinctive emerging artists. The album earned South African Music Awards for Best Newcomer and Best Pop Album, while Delazy later received a BET Award nomination for Best International Act: Africa. As her career evolved, she developed Afro Rave, a self-described musical movement that fuses electronic production with African languages, rhythms, storytelling, and performance. Her independent releases, including Afrorave Vol. 1 , showcase her commitment to innovation while celebrating African identity through futuristic soundscapes. Delazy has also become an outspoken advocate for LGBTQ+ visibility and African queer representation. Publicly identifying as queer, she has spoken candidly about her personal journey, the importance of challenging stereotypes surrounding sexuality, and the need to reclaim African histories that recognize diverse gender and sexual identities. Through music, visual storytelling, and public advocacy, she continues to expand conversations about creativity, identity, and belonging while inspiring audiences across Africa and beyond. BQW Impact Toya Delazy has helped redefine contemporary African music by demonstrating that electronic music, African cultural traditions, and queer visibility can coexist within a bold and original artistic vision. Her creation of Afro Rave has expanded the possibilities of African popular music while encouraging younger artists to embrace experimentation without abandoning cultural roots. As one of South Africa's most visible queer musicians, Delazy has used her platform to advocate for greater LGBTQ+ representation and challenge misconceptions about sexuality within African societies. Her work continues to inspire artists and audiences seeking creative freedom, authenticity, and more inclusive representations of African identity. Notable Works Due Drop (2012) Debut album introducing Delazy's energetic blend of electronic music, hip-hop, and pop, earning South African Music Awards for Best Newcomer and Best Pop Album. Afrorave Vol. 1 (2021) Independent release further developing Afro Rave through electronic production, Zulu influences, and experimental sound design. Afro Rave Original genre created by Delazy that blends electronic dance music with African rhythms, languages, and cultural storytelling. Pump It On (2011) Breakthrough single that established Delazy as one of South Africa's most promising emerging artists. Forbidden Fruit (2014) Single reflecting Delazy's evolution toward more experimental, personal, and identity-driven music, foreshadowing the artistic direction that would shape Afro Rave. Learn More Official Website Explore Toya Delazy's official website featuring her music, performances, the Afro Rave movement, and current projects. YouTube – Toya Delazy Watch official music videos, live performances, and creative content from Toya Delazy. Spotify – Toya Delazy Listen to her discography, including Due Drop , Afrorave Vol. 1 , and more recent releases. Music In Africa – Toya Delazy Learn more about her career, awards, achievements, and contributions to contemporary African music. News24 – Toya Delazy on Charting a New Path Read an in-depth interview discussing her music, the Afro Rave movement, queer identity, artistic independence, and creative vision. Previous Next

Tedra Wilson (TT The Artist) Biography Tedra Wilson, professionally known as TT The Artist, is an American filmmaker, director, music artist, producer, and multidisciplinary creative whose work bridges documentary film, music, performance, and visual art. Born in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, and based in Los Angeles, California, she has built a career documenting Black cultural expression while creating opportunities for women, BIPOC, and LGBTQIA+ creatives across the entertainment industry. Wilson gained widespread recognition with her feature directorial debut, Dark City Beneath the Beat (2020), a documentary celebrating Baltimore Club music and dance culture through the stories of the artists, dancers, and communities who shaped the movement. Executive produced by Issa Rae and Deniese Davis, the film premiered on Netflix and received critical acclaim for its vibrant portrayal of Baltimore's creative legacy and its innovative blend of documentary filmmaking, music, and performance. As an openly lesbian artist, Wilson's work frequently explores Black identity, queerness, self-image, and community through film, music, and visual storytelling. In addition to filmmaking, she has maintained an accomplished career as a recording artist, creative director, and entrepreneur. Her directing credits include projects such as Noted: Alicia Keys The Untold Stories , DENIM , and Eboni 8 . She is also the founder of Club Queen Records, an independent label dedicated to supporting women, BIPOC, and LGBTQIA+ artists while expanding opportunities within the music industry. Through her work across film, music, and creative direction, Wilson continues to amplify Black cultural narratives while championing inclusive storytelling and artistic collaboration. BQW Impact Tedra Wilson has expanded contemporary documentary filmmaking by preserving and celebrating Black musical traditions, dance culture, and creative communities that have often been overlooked by mainstream media. Her work demonstrates how documentary film can serve as both cultural preservation and artistic expression while elevating the voices of Black artists and innovators. As an openly lesbian filmmaker, musician, and creative entrepreneur, Wilson has intentionally amplified Black, queer, and women-led stories across multiple artistic disciplines. Through filmmaking, music, entrepreneurship, and creative leadership, she continues to create platforms for historically underrepresented creators while strengthening the visibility of Black queer cultural expression in contemporary media. Notable Works Dark City Beneath the Beat (2020) Feature documentary celebrating Baltimore Club music and dance culture through the voices of its artists, dancers, and community leaders. Noted: Alicia Keys The Untold Stories Directed episodes of the documentary series exploring Alicia Keys' creative journey and artistic process. DENIM Award-winning short film exploring identity, expression, and community through contemporary visual storytelling. Eboni 8 Narrative short film highlighting Black women through an experimental and visually driven approach. Club Queen Records Founded the independent label to amplify women, BIPOC, and LGBTQIA+ artists while fostering greater equity and creative opportunity within the music industry. Learn More Official Website Explore TT The Artist's official website featuring her films, music, directing portfolio, creative work, and current projects. IMDb Browse her complete filmography, directing credits, producing work, music projects, and acting roles. FilmFreeway Learn more about her filmmaking career, awards, festival screenings, and professional biography. Instagram Follow TT The Artist for updates on films, music, performances, community initiatives, and creative projects. Previous Next

Deborah Anne Dyer (Skin) Biography Born in London and raised in Brixton within a family connected to the Windrush generation, Skin studied Interior Architecture and Design at Teesside University before pursuing a career in music. She became one of the most prominent Black women in British alternative rock. In 1994, Skin co-founded Skunk Anansie with Ace, Cass, and drummer Robbie France, later replaced by Mark Richardson. The band emerged during the Britpop era but developed a distinctive sound rooted in rock, punk, funk, and alternative music. Their debut album, Paranoid & Sunburnt (1995), was followed by Stoosh (1996) and Post Orgasmic Chill (1999), producing songs including “Weak,” “Hedonism (Just Because You Feel Good),” and “Selling Jesus.” In 1999, Skunk Anansie headlined Glastonbury's Pyramid Stage, making Skin the first Black woman to headline the festival. She has subsequently spoken about the racial erasure surrounding that achievement and the challenges she experienced as a Black woman in British rock. Skunk Anansie split in 2001, after which Skin pursued a solo career. She released Fleshwounds (2003) and Fake Chemical State (2006), while also developing work as a DJ and in other creative fields. The band reunited in 2009 and subsequently released Wonderlustre (2010), Black Traffic (2012), Anarchytecture (2016), and The Painful Truth (2025). Skin has spoken openly about her sexuality, describing herself at different points as bisexual, gay, and queer. Her public work has addressed sexuality alongside race, gender, politics, and representation. Her memoir, It Takes Blood and Guts (2020), chronicles her life, career, sexuality, and experiences in the music industry. Beyond music, Skin has worked as an actress, DJ, author, and activist. She became Chancellor of Leeds Arts University in 2021 and was subsequently reappointed to the role, connecting her music career with arts education and cultural leadership. BQW Impact Skin helped expand the visibility of Black queer women in British rock by occupying a highly visible position in a genre where Black women were rarely centered. As the frontwoman of Skunk Anansie, she challenged expectations around race, gender, sexuality, appearance, and genre while speaking openly about her queer identity. Her 1999 Glastonbury headline performance represents an important moment in Black British music history, while her continued advocacy, authorship, and arts leadership have helped expand the visibility of Black British women and queer people in music and culture. Notable Works Paranoid & Sunburnt (1995) Skunk Anansie's debut studio album, establishing the band's distinctive alternative-rock sound. Stoosh (1996) Breakthrough album featuring “Hedonism (Just Because You Feel Good),” one of the band's best-known songs. Post Orgasmic Chill (1999) Third studio album released during the band's original peak and the period of its historic Glastonbury headline. Fleshwounds (2003) Skin's debut solo album following Skunk Anansie's initial split. The Painful Truth (2025) Skunk Anansie's latest studio album and a continuation of the band's work after its reunion. Learn More Skunk Anansie Official band website with current music and tour information. The Guardian Interview covering Skin's race, sexuality, career, and memoir. Leeds Arts University Institutional information about Skin's role as Chancellor. Glastonbury Archive Archive documenting Skunk Anansie's 1999 Glastonbury performance. Previous Next

Mandy Carter Biography Mandy Carter is an American activist and organizer whose work spans racial justice, LGBTQ+ rights, peace, and social justice movements. Born in Albany, New York, she became involved in nonviolent organizing through the War Resisters League and participated in the 1968 Poor People's Campaign. She moved to Durham, North Carolina, in 1982, where she established a long-term base for her Southern organizing. Carter helped mobilize Black and LGBTQ+ voters during North Carolina's 1990 Senate campaign against Jesse Helms. In 1993, she co-founded Southerners On New Ground (SONG), connecting queer liberation with racial justice, economic justice, and other movements for social change. She later co-founded the National Black Justice Coalition (NBJC) in 2003. Carter's work has also included cultural organizing, voter engagement, and movement history. Her papers are held by Duke University Libraries. BQW Impact Carter has been a major figure in Black lesbian and Southern LGBTQ+ organizing, connecting queer liberation with racial justice, economic justice, peace, and broader movements for social change. Through SONG, NBJC, voter organizing, and grassroots activism, she helped strengthen the visibility and participation of Black LGBTQ+ people within broader movements for civil rights and liberation. Notable Works Real Women Productions (1986 -1990) Women's cultural organization co-founded by Carter in Durham that produced music, comedy, and dance events. Senate Vote '90 Carter helped mobilize Black and LGBTQ+ voters across North Carolina during the campaign against Senator Jesse Helms. Southerners On New Ground (1993) Carter co-founded the Southern LGBTQ+ organization connecting queer liberation with racial justice, poverty, gender, and other social issues. National Black Justice Coalition (2003) Carter co-founded the national civil rights organization dedicated to empowering Black LGBTQ+ and same-gender-loving people. We Have Not Been Moved (2012) Collection co-edited by Carter, Elizabeth “Betita” Martínez, and Matt Meyer examining racial justice, militarism, and social movements. Learn More Duke University Libraries: Mandy Carter, Scientist of Activism Institutional exhibition documenting Carter's life, organizing history, coalition-building, and contributions to Black LGBTQ+ movements. LGBTQ Religious Archives Network: Mandy Carter Biographical and archival profile documenting Carter's activism, organizational leadership, and LGBTQ+ movement history. LinkedIn: Mandy Carter Carter's professional profile. Previous Next

Lori Lightfoot Biography Born in Massillon, Ohio, Lightfoot earned a bachelor’s degree in political science from the University of Michigan in 1984 and a Juris Doctor from the University of Chicago Law School in 1989. She began her legal career at Mayer Brown and later served as an assistant U.S. attorney in the Northern District of Illinois. She subsequently held leadership positions in Chicago government and police accountability before returning to Mayer Brown as a senior equity partner. Lightfoot became president of the Chicago Police Board in 2015 and co-chaired the Chicago Police Accountability Task Force in 2016. She was elected Chicago’s 56th mayor on April 2, 2019, and served from May 2019 through May 2023. Her election made her Chicago’s first African-American woman mayor and first openly gay mayor. Lightfoot has continued public-facing civic work since leaving City Hall. In January 2026, she launched the ICE Accountability Project, an initiative focused on collecting and documenting alleged misconduct by federal immigration agents and creating a centralized public repository of submitted information. BQW Impact Lightfoot’s place in BQW history is grounded in the visibility of an openly lesbian Black woman in major American civic leadership. Her election represented a significant milestone in both Black women’s and LGBTQ+ political representation. The Chicago LGBT Hall of Fame identifies her as the first out lesbian Black woman to serve as mayor of a major American city. Her career also connects LGBTQ+ representation with institutional leadership and public accountability. Before and during her mayoralty, Lightfoot supported LGBTQ+ rights and worked on issues affecting the community, including LGBTQ+ youth homelessness and policies concerning transgender, intersex, and gender-nonconforming communities. Notable Works Chicago Police Board Leadership (2015) Served as president of the civilian body responsible for reviewing disciplinary cases involving Chicago police officers. Chicago Police Accountability Task Force (2016) Co-chaired the task force that examined police accountability and issued recommendations for reform. Mayoral Administration of Chicago (2019) Led Chicago as its 56th mayor during a term that included the COVID-19 pandemic and initiatives focused on equity, public safety, and LGBTQ+ community needs. ICE Accountability Project (2026) Launched an initiative focused on collecting and documenting alleged misconduct by federal immigration agents and creating a centralized repository of submitted information. Learn More Chicago Public Library Provides an institutional biography covering Lightfoot’s education, legal career, police accountability work, and mayoralty. Chicago LGBT Hall of Fame Documents Lightfoot’s LGBTQ+ identity, historic significance, and work affecting Chicago’s LGBTQ+ community. University of Chicago Provides an institutional account of Lightfoot’s legal education, professional career, and historic 2019 mayoral election. The HistoryMakers Provides an extended biographical record of Lightfoot’s legal, municipal, and political career, along with interviews conducted in 2023 and 2024. Previous Next

Lena Waithe Biography Born and raised on Chicago's South Side, Waithe graduated from Columbia College Chicago in 2006. During her senior year, she participated in the college's Semester in LA program and remained in Los Angeles, where she began building her career in television and film. Her early credits included work on The Real World and Bones , followed by writing and production work on projects including Dear White People . Waithe gained wider recognition through Netflix's Master of None , where she played Denise and co-wrote the episode “Thanksgiving” with Aziz Ansari. Drawing partly on Waithe's experience coming out to her mother, the episode won the 2017 Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Writing for a Comedy Series. She went on to create The Chi , write Queen & Slim , and create Twenties , while continuing to work as an actor and producer. Waithe founded Hillman Grad, a creative company that develops film and television projects while supporting underrepresented artists through mentorship and industry-access initiatives. Its work includes productions such as The Chi , Queen & Slim , Twenties , and Beauty , as well as the Hillman Grad Mentorship Lab and Rising Voices. BQW Impact Waithe has contributed to greater visibility for Black queer women in mainstream film and television. Her Emmy-winning “Thanksgiving” episode placed a Black lesbian woman's coming-out experience at the center of a major television story and drew directly from Waithe's own experience. Her subsequent work has continued to create space for Black stories and queer perspectives in entertainment. Through Hillman Grad, she has also expanded that work by supporting emerging artists from underrepresented communities through mentorship, funding, and access to the entertainment industry. Notable Works Master of None, “Thanksgiving” (2017) Emmy-winning episode written by Waithe and Aziz Ansari, drawing partly on Waithe's experience coming out to her mother. The Chi (2018) Drama series created by Waithe about interconnected lives on Chicago's South Side. Queen & Slim (2019) Feature film written by Waithe and directed by Melina Matsoukas. Twenties (2020) Comedy series created by Waithe about three Black women navigating careers and relationships in Los Angeles. Learn More Hillman Grad Waithe's creative company and its work developing productions, mentorship programs, and opportunities for emerging artists. Television Academy Institutional biography documenting Waithe's television career and Emmy recognition. Columbia College Chicago Alumni profile covering Waithe's Chicago upbringing, education, early career, and major work. Lena Waithe on Instagram Waithe's professional Instagram account. Previous Next

Morgan Parker Biography Morgan Parker is an American poet, essayist, and novelist. She earned a bachelor's degree in anthropology and creative writing from Columbia University and an MFA in poetry from New York University. Her work has appeared in The Paris Review , The New York Review of Books , and Best American Poetry . She is a Cave Canem graduate fellow and has received a National Endowment for the Arts Literature Fellowship and a Pushcart Prize. Parker's poetry collections are Other People's Comfort Keeps Me Up at Night , There Are More Beautiful Things Than Beyoncé , and Magical Negro , which won the 2019 National Book Critics Circle Award for Poetry. Her young adult novel Who Put This Song On? and essay collection You Get What You Pay For expand her work across fiction and nonfiction. Parker lived in Brooklyn, where she participated in the city's poetry community and co-curated the Poets With Attitude reading series with Tommy Pico. She now lives in Los Angeles and continues to write across poetry, fiction, and nonfiction. BQW Impact Parker's writing expands contemporary representations of Black womanhood by bringing race, gender, sexuality, desire, mental health, and popular culture into the same literary conversation. Her work creates space for vulnerability, pleasure, anger, humor, and self-definition. As a queer Black woman writer, Parker contributes to contemporary Black queer literary culture through poetry, essays, fiction, and literary community-building. Her work connects personal experience with broader questions of identity, culture, and social expectations. Notable Works Other People's Comfort Keeps Me Up at Night (2015) Parker's debut poetry collection exploring intimacy, race, identity, and contemporary American life. There Are More Beautiful Things Than Beyoncé (2017) Poetry collection exploring Black womanhood, race, feminism, sexuality, desire, and popular culture. Magical Negro (2019) Award-winning poetry collection exploring Black American life, womanhood, history, grief, and desire. Who Put This Song On? (2019) Young adult novel about a Black teenage girl navigating depression, faith, identity, and adolescence. You Get What You Pay For (2024) Essay collection examining Black womanhood, racial consciousness, mental health, relationships, and well-being. Learn More Morgan Parker Official Website Parker's official site provides her biography, bibliography, poetry, press archive, and current work. Morgan Parker's Books Parker's official bibliography provides information on her poetry collections, novel, and nonfiction. You Get What You Pay For Penguin Random House's publisher page provides publication information and a description of Parker's essay collection. Poetry Foundation Poetry Foundation's profile documents Parker's poetry, literary career, and work in contemporary poetry. Previous Next

Tee Franklin Biography Tee Franklin is an American comic book writer, graphic novelist, editor, and advocate whose work has helped expand representation within the comics industry. An openly lesbian creator, Franklin draws upon her lived experiences to craft stories that celebrate Black queer identities while exploring themes of love, resilience, family, and community. Her work has been praised for bringing authentic LGBTQ+ stories and perspectives to both creator-owned projects and major comic book publishers. Franklin achieved widespread recognition with Bingo Love (2018), the award-winning graphic novel about two Black women who reunite decades after falling in love as teenagers. The book received critical acclaim for centering older Black lesbian protagonists, a perspective rarely represented in mainstream comics, and has become a landmark work in contemporary LGBTQ+ graphic literature. Beyond creator-owned work, Franklin has written for leading publishers including DC Comics, Marvel Comics, and Image Comics. Her credits include stories featuring Harley Quinn, Poison Ivy, Nubia, and other iconic characters while continuing to advocate for greater diversity and authentic representation throughout the comics industry. Through writing, editing, and public advocacy, she has become an influential voice for inclusive storytelling and Black queer visibility in graphic literature. BQW Impact Tee Franklin has reshaped contemporary comics by creating stories that place Black queer women at the center of narratives traditionally dominated by other voices. Her work demonstrates the importance of authentic representation while expanding opportunities for LGBTQ+ creators and readers within the comic book industry. As one of the most prominent Black lesbian writers working in comics today, Franklin has helped normalize diverse relationships, identities, and experiences through stories grounded in empathy, joy, and community. Her work continues to inspire a new generation of creators seeking to tell inclusive stories that reflect the richness of Black queer life. Notable Works Bingo Love (2018) Award-winning graphic novel following two Black women who reunite decades after first falling in love, becoming a landmark work in LGBTQ+ comics. Harley Quinn: The Animated Series – The Eat. Bang! Kill. Tour (2021) Wrote the DC Comics series continuing the story of Harley Quinn and Poison Ivy following the animated television series. Nubia & the Amazons (2021) Co-wrote the DC Comics limited series exploring Nubia's role as queen of the Amazons and expanding the Wonder Woman universe. Harley Quinn 30th Anniversary Special (2022) Contributed a story celebrating one of DC Comics' most iconic and enduring characters. Jook Joint Creator-owned project exploring Black Southern culture, community, and supernatural themes. Learn More Official Website Explore Tee Franklin's official website featuring her books, comic projects, appearances, and latest news. DC Comics Browse Tee Franklin's DC Comics bibliography, including her work on Harley Quinn , Nubia , and other titles. Wikipedia Read an overview of her career, publications, awards, and advocacy for LGBTQ+ representation in comics. Instagram Follow Tee Franklin for updates on new releases, convention appearances, creative projects, and community engagement. Previous Next

Kia LaBeija Biography Born and raised in New York City, LaBeija is of African-American and Filipino descent. Her multidisciplinary practice combines photography, performance, dance, collage, installation, video, and self-portraiture, often drawing on personal history and lived experience. Her work examines love, loss, identity, stigma, sexuality, family, and belonging. LaBeija has been deeply connected to New York's House and Ballroom community. She served as Overall Mother of the House of LaBeija and has incorporated ballroom history and culture into her artistic practice. Her work also addresses her experience growing up HIV-positive and the broader histories of HIV/AIDS through autobiographical photography, performance, and storytelling. Her work has been presented by institutions including the Whitney Museum of American Art, Brooklyn Museum, Studio Museum in Harlem, and Fotografiska New York. prepare my heart , presented at Fotografiska in 2022, was her first solo museum exhibition and first New York solo show. BQW Impact LaBeija's practice centers queer Black womanhood while connecting personal storytelling with photography, performance, ballroom culture, and HIV/AIDS history. Her work creates space for experiences shaped by race, sexuality, gender, illness, family, memory, and belonging. Her longstanding relationship with ballroom and her work as an artist and mentor have also connected her practice to queer and trans communities of color. Through performance and visual storytelling, she brings personal and community histories into contemporary art spaces. Notable Works 24 Photographic self-portrait series drawing on LaBeija's experience growing up as a young woman of color living with HIV. Untitled, The Black Act (2019) Large-scale performance work reinterpreting Oskar Schlemmer's Triadic Ballet through dance, portraiture, performance, space, memory, and personal history. prepare my heart (2022) Autobiographical solo exhibition at Fotografiska New York exploring love, loss, growing up HIV-positive, family, identity, and LaBeija's relationship to New York's Ballroom scene. Photographs from The Plague in the Shadows (2024) Collection of portraits of people at the center of the early years of the AIDS epidemic in New York City, created as a companion exhibition to WNYC and HISTORY's Blindspot: The Plague in the Shadows. Learn More Kia LaBeija's Official Website Official biography and information about her multidisciplinary practice. Kia LaBeija's Official CV Exhibitions, commissions, awards, collections, and professional history. Fotografiska, prepare my heart Institutional documentation of her first solo museum exhibition. BOMB Magazine, Kia LaBeija In-depth interview about her artistic practice, identity, and ballroom community. Previous Next

Moonchild Sanelly Biography Moonchild Sanelly, born Sanelisiwe Twisha, is a South African singer, songwriter, dancer, and performer. Raised in Port Elizabeth, she moved to Durban in 2005 to study fashion and became involved in the city's poetry and music scene. She later moved to Johannesburg, where she developed her musical career and established her signature “future ghetto funk” sound. Her debut studio album, Rabulapha! (2015), established her as a distinctive voice in South African music. She later released the mini-LP Nüdes and the studio album Phases (2022), collaborating with artists including Beyoncé, Gorillaz, Wizkid, and Ghetts. Her third studio album, Full Moon , was released in 2025 and combines South African dance influences with electronic pop. Sanelly's work frequently centers female sexual empowerment, self-determination, and sexual liberation. She has also spoken publicly about exploring her sexuality and identified herself as queer, including discussing her first relationship with a woman in a 2021 interview with MambaOnline. BQW Impact Sanelly contributes to Black queer cultural life through music that challenges restrictive expectations around women's bodies, sexuality, pleasure, and self-expression. Her unapologetic performance style and emphasis on female sexual empowerment make liberation a recurring element of her artistic practice. As a queer South African woman, she also expands the visibility of queer identity within contemporary African popular music. Her work connects South African dance traditions with global electronic and pop influences while maintaining a distinctly personal artistic voice. Notable Works Rabulapha! (2015) Debut studio album that established Sanelly's distinctive musical style. Nüdes (2020) Mini-LP released through Transgressive Records, expanding her electronic and genre-crossing sound. Phases (2022) Studio album blending future ghetto funk with electronic, dance, and South African musical influences. Full Moon (2025) Third studio album blending Johannesburg and Durban sounds, including kwaito, amapiano, and gqom, with electronic pop. “MY POWER” (2019) Sanelly is featured on Beyoncé's song from The Lion King: The Gift soundtrack. “With Love to an Ex” (2020) Gorillaz track featuring Sanelly, released as part of the Song Machine project. Learn More Moonchild Sanelly Official Website Sanelly's official website features her biography, music, performances, and current projects. Moonchild Sanelly on Apple Music Apple Music provides her discography, recordings, and artist information. Moonchild Sanelly: “I'm exploring my sexuality” Interview discussing Sanelly's sexuality, relationships, music, and connection to queer communities. Full Moon review The Guardian's review discusses Full Moon , Sanelly's musical influences, and her approach to sexuality and performance. Previous Next