Gay black artist

While already facing the ever-present challenges inherent to blackness, a number of black musicians have still been gallant enough to claim sexual identities that could hamper their success. So in honor of these black artists who are boldly standing in their truth, we’ve rounded up 15 musicians of color who are unapologetically here and queer.

From Frank Ocean’s procession up the charts to MNEK’s proficient pen and arresting voice, here’s our list of 12 Black LGBTQ chameleons who’ve made the s more layered and alluring.