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Bulldyke Blues: Proud Black Lesbianism

The Legacy of Unapologetic Black Queer Women During the Harlem Renaissance

By Gabriella PomalesPublished 3 years ago 4 min read
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(in order) Bessie Smith, Ma Rainey, and Lucille Bogan

Bessie Smith, Lucille Bogan, and Gertrude "Ma" Rainey - three names you should know by the end of this article. Each of these legends were openly gay during the 1920's and 30's and let their soulful, sultry music tell the tales. Before I continue, here is some background information for context and terminology.

The term "dyke", a reclaimed slur and frequent self identifier for many lesbians, that we know today originated from the word "bulldyke", short for "bulldagger", which came about during the Harlem Renaissance - a period known for imaginative experimentation and "freedom". This identifier was an intersectional response to homophobia, racism, and sexism. Bulldyke artists used this word to "steal" white privilege and take back masculinity all while "accumulating power and cultural capital". It's important to highlight the lesser known history behind common terminology to not only preserve history but rewrite all that is incorrect.

Black lesbians have always been and still are a core part of the LGBTQ+ movement but our history is one too often silenced. These artists were out loudly and proudly. Their sacrifices allowed so many of us to live authentically and safely today and for them I am grateful.

In no particular order, here is a breakdown of who these iconic women were and their impact on both the music industry and their communities.

Bessie Smith was "most successful Black vocalist of her time." She introduced blues to mainstream popular music and rumored to have relationships with several women including Ma Rainey and Lillian Simpson, "a chorus girl in Smith’s touring show, Harlem Frolics." Smith's songs included explicit content about being with women and often called lesbian music including hits like "A Good Man is Hard to Find", "It's Dirty But Good", and "The Boy in the Boat".

Smith did have a husband who was known to be jealous of her relationships with women. It's significant to note that lesbians and other individuals attracted and preferring non-men often had to settle for domestic relationships with men due to the lack of queer acceptance during their time. However, it's also important not to assume unconfirmed sexualities of individuals to avoid erasure of other queer identities such as bisexuality.

Gertrude "Ma" Rainey's legacy deserves celebration for several reasons. She helped popularize blues music as well as wrote, at least, one-third of her own music - something not so common at the time. She's known as the "mother of the blues". Ma Rainey is a newly familiar name to some. In 2020 Netflix released "Ma Rainey's Black Bottom" starring Academy Award, Primetime Emmy Award, and two-time Tony Award winning Viola Davis. This movie told the a vague story of Ma Rainey, her life and her band.

Her unapologetic pride in her identity endured intolerance. For instance, in 1925 Rainey was arrested and jailed for holding a lesbian party in Harlem. Bessie Smith, her protegé and lover, bailed her out the next morning. This is one of many examples of the criminalization and systemic oppression of lesbians. Following her arrest Ma Rainey released "Prove It on Me Blues" which was not only a significant lesbian affirming song but a jab at the discriminatory event.

Early blues singer Lucille Bogan, who recorded as Bessie Jackson, sang about the term "bulldyke" in her song "B.D. Woman's Blues" where she sings “Comin’ a time, B.D. women they ain’t going to need no men,”. Although she wasn't the first in the blues scene to openly sing about lesbianism, this song is great documentation of our existence and terminology.

Bogan was the first Black blues singer to record outside of Chicago or New York when she recorded in Atlanta. She later began recording with Paramount Records. Almost all of her music was explicit as she sang about her sexual encounters, experiences as a sex worker, and comfort in her sexual identity.

Together these women are credited as "the big 3 of blues".

Due to taboo surrounding lesbianism and the time period, information about many details of their lives is scarce. However, many have dedicated their time to uncovering truths and carrying on the legacy of these revolutionaries. This includes esteemed academic, activist, author, philosopher, and lesbian Angela Davis who wrote about the impact of Smith and Rainey, along with Billie Holiday, in her book Blues Legacies and Black Feminism: Gertrude "Ma" Rainey, Bessie Smith, and Billie Holiday (1999)

These women were out and proud. Their legacies will be lost if their lives and work aren't celebrated and documented. I am grateful for their contributions to music industry and the lesbian community. Choosing to live openly has always brought a dangerous risk but the freedom to live and love as your heart desires is something we deserve.

Sources:

The Untitled Black Lesbian Elder Project

"Just like a natural man": The B.D. styles of Gertrude "Ma" Rainey and Bessie Smith

Gender and Sexuality Student Services: Bessie Smith

Britannica: Ma Rainey

Blueswomen in Harlem

history
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About the Creator

Gabriella Pomales

Artist, curator, and writer

I'm passionate about accessible education, community connection through sharing lived experiences, and holding conversations through an intersectional lens.

Instagram: gabriellaanalise

gabriellaanalise.carrd.co

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