Sylvester (1947-1988)
Words and handkerchief by Neil Albert
I first became aware of Sylvester in 1978, when I heard the joyous sounds of ‘You Make Me Feel (Mighty Real)’ pumping from the radio. I was spellbound. Who was this glorious, gospel, disco diva?
When I finally saw Sylvester on TV, there was a swirling vision of glittering sequins, thick blue eyeshadow, red painted lips and gold bangles. When I found out that this was a man, my young gay mind was blown!
Today, Sylvester would probably be labelled non-binary or gender-fluid, and nobody would bat an eyelid, but back then his look was shocking and radical.
In retrospect, Sylvester was being his authentic self. After all, he’d been going out to drag parties, dressed up to the nines, since he was a young teen, at a time when the Los Angeles Police Department would routinely arrest any males found to be wearing female clothing.
There is no doubt that Sylvester was a pioneer. He was unashamedly out and proud, a Black, cross-dressing, Aids activist who refused to conform. But when he was asked how he would label himself, he said, ‘I am Sylvester.’
This artwork is part of The Wall of Sexual Heroes, a collaborative textile art piece featured in our previous exhibitions at the Horse Hospital (2022) and Bow Arts Lab (2023). All embroidered, printed and appliquėd handkerchiefs celebrate unsung heroes of sexual emancipation, activism and innovation.
The Wall is an organic work. If you would like to contribute, please get in touch with The Keeper.
