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Many New Yorkers know about the Harlem Renaissance, but a new exhibit opening this fall explores a more unknown facet of the era—the Gay Harlem Renaissance. The New York Historical will host a new exhibit examining the Black LGBTQ+ artists, writers and performers vital to the Harlem Renaissance and everyday Black gay life in the early 20th century.
"The Gay Harlem Renaissance," will open on October 10 and run until March 8, 2026. This unique exhibit traces queer creativity, friendship circles and mentorships that once flourished in Harlem's salons, social clubs and thriving nightlight. The show also highlights specific Harlem Renaissance poets, novelists and artists—many of whom were gay or bisexual.
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After the First World War, Black Southern and Caribbean migrants, activists and creatives transformed Harlem into a nexus of political activism, creative expression and community life. Many of Harlem's artists were gay or bisexual (some discreetly, some openly), and many singers and performers in nightclubs or speakeasies were lesbian, bisexual, or transmasculine. LGBTQ+ artists, on-stage and off, helped shape the culture and art of the era. Queer and straight artists were said to have formed close-knit circles, mentorships and collaborated on ideas that shaped Black art and culture.
Black LGBTQ+ life was far more visible, accepted and integrated into the daily life of 1920s Harlem than most people imagine.
"'The Gay Harlem Renaissance' shows that Black LGBTQ+ life was far more visible, accepted and integrated into the daily life of 1920s Harlem than most people imagine," George Chauncey, the exhibition's chief historian said in a press release.
Featuring more than 200 objects, the exhibition includes painting, sculpture, artifacts, documents, photographs, books and music from collections across the country—all which celebrate the creativity, innovation and resilience of Black LGBTQ+ Harlemites while facing racist and homophobic pressures.
Some highlights include "Employment of the Negro in Agriculture," a 1934 painting by Earle Richardson that honors the resilience of African American agricultural laborers within the oppression of the Jim Crow System; "Color," the 1925 first edition of Countee Cullen's first book of poetry, whose mentor Alain Locke helped Cullen accept his sexuality; and a Gelatin silver print of Gladys Bentley, a transmasculine performer who became a star in Harlem, famous for playing popular nightclubs and rent parties.
"We hope that this show will invite visitors to consider how intimate friendships, chosen families and radical ideas about identity helped define the Harlem Renaissance and continue to resonate today," Dr. Louise Mirrer, president and CEO of The New York Historical said in a statement.
The exhibition is curated by Allison Robinson, associate curator of history exhibitions and Anne Lessy, assistant curator of history exhibitions and academic engagement, with contributions from Rebecca Klassen, curator of material culture and decorate arts and chief historian
Tickets for The New York Historical are $24 for adults, $6 for kids 5-13, $18 for students and $19 for seniors.