Beyoncé's Appreciation of Black Queer Culture Sets Her Apart
Beyoncé’s latest album, Renaissance Act I, featured extensive collaborations with Black queer creators. That talent included trans DJ Honey Dijon, trans actress TS Madison, and queer rapper Big Freedia.
Beyoncé also brought in lesbian musician Syd to help produce the track “Plastic Off the Sofa.” And in her song “Cozy,” Beyoncé literally describes Daniel Quasar’s Progress Pride flag — also no surprise, given that the album is partly dedicated to her gay “uncle” Johnny.Johnny, who was technically an older cousin, helped design Destiny’s Child clothes in the beginning of Queen Bey’s career, and served as a supportive influence for both Beyoncé and her sister Solange.
Johnny died of AIDS complications several years ago and in her dedication to this album, she wrote, “A big thank you to my uncle Jonny.
He was my godmother and the first person to expose me to a lot of the music and culture that serve as inspiration for this album.
