With just a few weeks left in the year, best-of lists are emerging from every which way. Plenty of those indexes include some entries we might be a little too familiar with, but there are smaller and more inclusive lists that aim to introduce us to new people impacting our world, like the Native Son 101.
The class of 2024 includes bigger names, such as Jerrod Carmichael, Colman Domingo, Tituss Burgess, and Law Roach, alongside individuals like Dr. Martin Lemelle Jr., the nation’s youngest HBCU president; the musician Khalid; Wicked costume designer Paul Tazewell; and Guillaume Diop, a principal dancer at the Paris Opera.
The unranked list chronicles 101 Black queer men who are positively impacting spaces such as fashion, photography, literature, arts, film, and politics. Founded by former Vibe editor-in-chief Emil Wilbekin in 2020 as a means to reckon with the global pandemic and racial upheaval, the list recognizes Wilbekin’s peers and creates a community. “We wanted to spotlight these champions, way-makers, and innovators,” he says. “We wanted to speak their names and represent them as works of art so that their legacies would be remembered, recognized, and revered. Unlike the Native Son Awards, the 101 List isn’t just about career achievements.”
Native Son also hosts an evening of awards. This year, the organization will highlight its second digital cover on LGBTQ+ culture and entertainment site Queerty as part of a conversation between Don Lemon and Rashad Robinson, president of Color of Change. Previous honorees include Lil Nas X, Telfar Clemens, Jeremy Pope, and Billy Porter.
Other notable names on this year’s list include fashion designers Brandon Blackwood and LaQuan Smith, creative director Jason Bolden, and actor Ncuti Gatwa. The cast members of Cats: The Jellicle Ball were named for their revival of the mainstream play, as was popular New York City Councilmember Chi Ossé, who made waves this year by enacting the FARE Act, which will get rid of brokers’ fees in the city. Meanwhile, artists like choreographer Sean Bankhead, Grammy-winning producer Kaytranada, and photographers Campbell Addy and Quil Lemons were also recognized. You can view the whole list on Queerty’s site.
The Cut is a media partner of Native Son 101.