Gladys Bentley

The focus of my research for the next semester and beyond looks at Queer Black female masculinity as an expression of Black feminism. “Female Masculinity” as termed by theorist Jack Halberstam, is the presentation of masculine qualities and attributes made by queer (re:usually butch) women.

My subject matter looks at this expression through Blues singers of the Harlem Renaissance. This photo personifies who Gladys was, bold, salacious, and displaying a strong masculine strength.

I am also interested in adding this archetype to Black Feminist Thought theorist Patricia Hills Collins’ bevy of “Controlling Images”. We do not often see this type of Queer butch Black figure recognsized in our Black feminist lexicons, and my work seeks to add context so that people who share these intersections can see a reflection of themselves.