October is Black History Month in the UK, a chance to reflect on the past in order to make way for the future. To celebrate, we've put together a somewhat random list of our favourite black queer movers and shakers, with a slant towards those who are British. What do they have in common? Talent, style, verve and, in some cases, genius. Read on, feel inspired, and find out more.

1. James Baldwin
The blueprint for black queer life. Baldwin was a bestselling author of sublime books, a noted wit, bon vivant, civil rights activist and more. He lived life large and broke the ground for others to follow. Read our Heroes and Villains feature on James Baldwin.

2. Debbie Smith
Indie queen of the 90s Britpop scene, Smith's musical career has been a little obscure since the end of Echobelly, but she always gave us a thrill every time she appeared on Top of the Pops.

3. Vaginal Crème Davis
This underground actor, artist, raconteur is the rudest gal in town. A friend to the famous in her hometown of Los Angeles, it's a wonder why her majesty's own star has not yet ascended to its rightful place in the heavens. Read our interview with Vaginal Davis.

4. Rikki Beadle-Blair
Prolific playwright and actor, Rikki Beadle-Blair is one of those people who can do anything. With a label-defying career as an actor, dancer, musician, choreographer, director and writer, Beadle-Blair was the guy behind the Channel 4 series Metrosexuality, while his latest ventures have explored controversy around homophobic lyrics and homophobic bullying. Read our interview with Rikki Beadle-Blair.

5. Little Richard
Alas, the quasar of rock 'n' roll publicly renounced his homosexuality when he became a born again Christian back in the mid-60s. He'll never renounce his sequins, songs about drag queens and outrageously camp go-go dancers, however, so there's still hope.

6. Valerie Mason-John
With a portfolio stuffed to overflowing with projects such as books, plays, workshops, performances and more, Mason-John, also known as Queenie, shows no sign of slowing down. Read our interview with Valerie Mason-John and our review of her debut book, Borrowed Body.

7. Jackie Kay
A national treasure. Kay's award-winning poetry and prose should be on everyone's bookshelves. Read our review of Why Don’t You Stop Talking.

8. Labi Siffre
Once a minicab driver, this singer-songwriter went on to write the anthemic (Something Inside) ‘So Strong’.

9. RuPaul
Fearless drag queen who spent most of the 90s in the spotlight and then took a turn towards a quieter life. However, she can currently be seen on E4 with RuPaul's Drag Race! We'll never forget those frocks, girl! Read our interview with drag's first glamour superstar.

10. Angela Davis
Black feminist pioneer, Davis appeared on the FBI's Most Wanted list and was wrongly imprisoned. She now campaigns for prison reform and civil rights. She is a whirlwind, an inspiration and still active after all this time.


Have we missed anyone off the list you think should be included? Then get in touch and tell us!

Brush up your black history by reading Go Tell It On The Mountain, by writer, queer bon vivant and civil rights activist par excellence James Baldwin. Buy the book online and save money.