Five years ago, we launched the very first Native Son 101 List to celebrate, recognize, and uplift Black gay and queer men who had an impact on our community, in their profession, or in the world during the calendar year.

It is a way of honoring the heroes among us who may or may not be featured in mainstream media, may or may not go viral on social media, and may or may not be seen outside of their existence.

Native Son wanted to give our Brothers their flowers. 

So every year since 2020, we have compiled a list of 101 extraordinary Black gay/queer men who have made a difference in our world. There is no science to this list.

It is compiled, edited, revised, reviewed by a committee of Native Sons, added to, reworked, and created with love. 

The theme that repeatedly emerged with this year’s list is disruptors. 

These educators, journalists, editors, photographers, entrepreneurs, activists, authors, artists, actors, and creators dare to be different, take risks, and push the boundaries.

As we prepare to enter a very tough political year and move into a new and unknown era of right-wing ideology, white supremacy, and uncertainty, it will be imperative that the disruptors in our community are thinking, building, creating, and protecting us all. Oxford Dictionary defines a disruptor as a person or thing that prevents something, especially a system, process, or event, from continuing as usual or as expected. 

Native Son is prepared for a time such as this.

Our ancestors have been through dark times in history — from slavery to the Civil Rights Movement, the AIDS Crisis, and Black Lives Matter. And they have given us a blueprint and foundation to not only survive, but to thrive.

One hundred years ago we saw Black gay/queer art, literature, and conversations that ignited Black culture during the Harlem Renaissance and the Great Depression. Thought leaders like Alaine LeRoy Locke, Langston Hughes, Countee Cullen, Richard Bruce Nugent, and many others shifted the way we looked at ourselves as Black people and created work that would forever influence Black culture. This year, we also commemorated the 100th birthday of our eternal icon James Baldwin. His words, wisdom, and ideology still empower us and serves as the guidance we need right now. 

Today as we celebrate the modern day disruptors, let us also honor the legacy of our forefathers who showed us how to create change, to advocate for ourselves, and to build a resilient community to protect our very existence.  — Emil Wilbekin

Illustrations by Adrian Armstrong
Writers: Joshua S. Mackey, Greg Emmanuel