In this episode, Thomas tells us about the life of Black, lesbian blues singer, pianist and entertainer: #GladysBentley. A star of the #HarlemRenaissance of the 1920s and 1930s, Bentley seemed in every way someone living their life on their terms. Until, that is, her star power began to dim and Bentley began to doubt her identity.

Content Warning: This episode contains discussion of medical abuse and fatphobia. Listeners are strongly encouraged to consider to exercise caution.

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1. Gladys Bentley. Unknown photographer.
2. Gladys Bentley and Willie Bryant in front of the Apollo Theater
3. Advertisement for a Gladys Bentley performance at Mona’s 440, San Francisco
4. Advertisement for a Gladys Bentley and Miss Jimmy Reynard performance at Mona’s
5. Advertisement for a Gladys Bentley performance at the Memphis Club, Philadelphia, 1934
6. Clipping from Vere John's "In the Name of Art," New York Times, 1934.
7. Gladys Bentley. Photographer unknown. "I Am a Woman Again," Ebony Magazine, August of 1952.
8. Clipping from unknown author, "Here's What Happens at Harlem's Famous Ubangi Club,"1936
9. E. Simms Campbell, "A Night Club Map of Harlem," 1932

#lgbtqia2shistory #lgbthistory #lesbianhistory #Blacklesbian #Blacklesbianhistory #queerhistory #queerhistorypodcast #theseoldqueers