Black History

Cross-Dressing Blues Artist Gladys Bentley Was ‘Out’ Ahead of Her Time

In 1934, New York City’s King’s Terrace nightclub faced closure after complaints about its “dirty songs.” The venue had been hosting a troupe led by Gladys Bentley, an audacious piano-playing blues artist who thrilled and scandalized audiences with her provocative music.

Published

2 years ago

June 24, 2023

Oakland Post

Gladys Bentley. Wikipedia photo.

By Tamara Shiloh

Born in Phila., Pa., Bentley arrived in Harlem around 1925 at the age of 16 and became part of the vibrant artistic community during the influential Harlem Renaissance. Proudly embracing her identity as an African American woman who loved other women, donned men’s clothing, and sang risqué songs, Bentley challenged societal norms.

Although Bentley’s performances prevented her from gaining mainstream recognition and limited her inclusion in history books, her portraits now grace the African American History Museum’s music collections.

Starting her career in Harlem’s rent party circuit, Bentley wowed audiences with her deep, growling voice and scatting skills. She fearlessly added explicit lyrics to popular tunes, leaving a lasting impact on her listeners.

While her popularity soared in the rent party scene, Bentley also pursued opportunities in established Harlem nightclubs. At the Mad House on 133rd Street, she convinced the skeptical boss to give her a chance.

Bentley’s energetic piano-playing and unique style of fashion, featuring immaculate dress shirts, bow ties, oxfords, and short Eton jackets, set her apart as a “male impersonator.” Her flirtatious interactions with women in the audience captivated all who witnessed her performances.

As Bentley’s career flourished, she graced prominent Harlem venues such as the Cotton Club and the Clam House, a renowned gay speakeasy. Her act attracted diverse audiences, including both African Americans and white patrons. Writers like Carl van Vechten were drawn to Bentley’s talent, featuring her as a character in their works.

In the 1930s, she headlined at Harlem’s Ubangi house, where she was backed by a chorus line of drag queens.

With the repeal of Prohibition, the club scene in Harlem declined. She relocated to Southern California, where she was billed as “America’s Greatest Sepia Piano Player” and the “Brown Bomber of Sophisticated Songs” according to Wikipedia. She continued performing in upscale venues but in a more subdued manner than her earlier days in Harlem. Harassed for wearing men’s clothing, she began facing scrutiny during the repressive McCarthy era in the 1950s.

In a 1952 article for Ebony magazine titled “I Am a Woman Again,” Bentley shared her life story. She recounted her glamorous life as a performer and her personal struggles existing in a realm between traditional gender boundaries. Bentley claimed to have undergone medical treatment that awakened her “womanliness” and mentioned her marriages. However, the veracity of these claims remains uncertain.

Bentley continued her career for a few more years but succumbed to pneumonia in 1960. Today, her story is being rediscovered and celebrated as that of a gender outlaw and a pioneer of self-expression.

Bentley’s defiance of societal norms serves as a reminder of the power of self-expression, resilience, and the courage to challenge expectations. Her legacy inspires individuals to embrace their true selves fearlessly.

Bentley’s contributions to the Harlem Renaissance and her unyielding embrace of her identity remain impactful. Her audacity and refusal to conform continue to inspire generations. Gladys Bentley, an extraordinary performer, trailblazer, and symbol of empowerment, leaves a lasting impression on those who follow her path.

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Oakland Post: Week of May 21 – 27, 2025

The printed Weekly Edition of the Oakland Post: Week of May 21 – 27, 2025

Published

2 days ago

May 25, 2025

Oakland Post

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OPINION: Your Voice and Vote Impact the Quality of Your Health Care

One of the most dangerous developments we’re seeing now? Deep federal cuts are being proposed to Medicaid, the life-saving health insurance program that covers nearly 80 million lower-income individuals nationwide. That is approximately 15 million Californians and about 1 million of the state’s nearly 3 million Black Californians who are at risk of losing their healthcare.

Published

1 week ago

May 19, 2025

Oakland Post

Rhonda M. Smith.

By Rhonda M. Smith, Special to California Black Media Partners

Shortly after last year’s election, I hopped into a Lyft and struck up a conversation with the driver. As we talked, the topic inevitably turned to politics. He confidently told me that he didn’t vote — not because he supported Donald Trump, but because he didn’t like Kamala Harris’ résumé. When I asked what exactly he didn’t like, he couldn’t specifically articulate his dislike or point to anything specific. In his words, he “just didn’t like her résumé.”

That moment really hit hard for me. As a Black woman, I’ve lived through enough election cycles to recognize how often uncertainty, misinformation, or political apathy keep people from voting, especially Black voters whose voices are historically left out of the conversation and whose health, economic security, and opportunities are directly impacted by the individual elected to office, and the legislative branches and political parties that push forth their agenda.

That conversation with the Lyft driver reflects a troubling surge in fear-driven politics across our country. We’ve seen White House executive orders gut federal programs meant to help our most vulnerable populations and policies that systematically exclude or harm Black and underserved communities.

One of the most dangerous developments we’re seeing now? Deep federal cuts are being proposed to Medicaid, the life-saving health insurance program that covers nearly 80 million lower-income individuals nationwide. That is approximately 15 million Californians and about 1 million of the state’s nearly 3 million Black Californians who are at risk of losing their healthcare.

Medicaid, called Medi-Cal in California, doesn’t just cover care. It protects individuals and families from medical debt, keeps rural hospitals open, creates jobs, and helps our communities thrive. Simply put; Medicaid is a lifeline for 1 in 5 Black Americans. For many, it’s the only thing standing between them and a medical emergency they can’t afford, especially with the skyrocketing costs of health care. The proposed cuts mean up to 7.2 million Black Americans could lose their healthcare coverage, making it harder for them to receive timely, life-saving care. Cuts to Medicaid would also result in fewer prenatal visits, delayed cancer screenings, unfilled prescriptions, and closures of community clinics. When healthcare is inaccessible or unaffordable, it doesn’t just harm individuals, it weakens entire communities and widens inequities.

The reality is Black Americans already face disproportionately higher rates of poorer health outcomes. Our life expectancy is nearly five years shorter in comparison to White Americans. Black pregnant people are 3.6 times more likely to die during pregnancy or postpartum than their white counterparts.

These policies don’t happen in a vacuum. They are determined by who holds power and who shows up to vote. Showing up amplifies our voices. Taking action and exercising our right to vote is how we express our power.

I urge you to start today. Call your representatives, on both sides of the aisle, and demand they protect Medicaid (Medi-Cal), the Affordable Care Act (Covered CA), and access to food assistance programs, maternal health resources, mental health services, and protect our basic freedoms and human rights. Stay informed, talk to your neighbors and register to vote.

About the Author

Rhonda M. Smith is the Executive Director of the California Black Health Network, a statewide nonprofit dedicated to advancing health equity for all Black Californians.

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IN MEMORIAM: Nate Holden, State Senator and Longtime Los Angeles Councilmember, Dies at 95

Los Angeles County Supervisor Janice Hahn described Holden as “a lion” in the State Senate and a force to be reckoned with on the Los Angeles City Council.” Hahn added that she learned a lot working with Holden when she was a new councilmember.

Published

1 week ago

May 19, 2025

Oakland Post

Former Los Angeles Councilmember and California State Sen. Nate Holden. File photo.

By Bo Tefu, California Black Media

Former Los Angeles City Councilmember Nathaniel “Nate” Holden, a prominent figure in the city’s politics, passed away at the age of 95, his family confirmed on May 7.

Holden, who represented South Los Angeles for 16 years on the City Council and served one term in the California State Senate, was widely regarded as a forceful advocate for his community.

Los Angeles County Supervisor Janice Hahn described Holden as “a lion” in the State Senate and a force to be reckoned with on the Los Angeles City Council.”

Hahn added that she learned a lot working with Holden when she was a new councilmember.

Holden’s journey to political prominence began in the segregated South, where he was born in Macon, Georgia, in 1929. He often recalled the childhood moment when he first heard the governor of Georgia vowing to continue suppressing Black people.

“Doing the best you can for the people. Law and order. Make sure that people’s communities are safe. I did it all,” said Holden, reflecting on his legacy.

Holden is survived by his sons, including former California Assemblymember Chris Holden, who represented a district in Southern California that includes Pasadena and Altadena in Los Angeles County and cities in San Bernardino County.