Actress and comic Quei Tan joins Black Queer Canon hosts Tre’vell and Mikelle to discuss trans icon much before her time: the imitable Lady Chablis. In 1997, the Savannah, Georgia nightclub legend played a version of herself in the cult-classic Clint Eastwood film “Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil.” In the episode, the trio discuss how the Lady Chablis still stands as a shining example of trans visibility on screen, her connection to “Pose’s” Electra Abundance and the scenes that ultimately made her the woman we love.

Black Queer Canon is a production of Slayzhon. It is created, hosted and executive produced by Mikelle Street and Tre’vell Anderson. Chris Rodgers is our associate producer and editor. Our theme is the track “Soul” by Neverending Nina. The project is supported by Critical Minded, an initiative to invest in cultural critics of color cofounded by The Nathan Cummings Foundation and the Ford Foundation.

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Visit Black Queer Canon at blackqueercanon.com.
Follow the show on Instagram @Slayzhon
Follow Tre’vell Anderson @Rayzhon
Follow Mikelle Street @MikelleStreet

“Dear White People” creator Justin Simien joins Black Queer Canon hosts Tre’vell and Mikelle to revisit two controversial Black, gay characters in television history: Blaine Edwards and Antoine Merriweather. The pair were played by Damon Wayans and David Alan Grier in “Men On…” a recurring comedy sketch that appeared across “In Living Color” and “Saturday Night Live” starting in 1990. This episode delves into why, despite their controversy, the two characters are significant parts of the canon and how men in drag has long been an integral part of Black comedy.

Black Queer Canon is a production of Slayzhon. It is created, hosted and executive produced by Mikelle Street and Tre’vell Anderson. Chris Rodgers is our associate producer and editor. Our theme is the track “Soul” by Neverending Nina. The project is supported by Critical Minded, an initiative to invest in cultural critics of color cofounded by The Nathan Cummings Foundation and the Ford Foundation.

Subscribe for weekly episodes.

Visit Black Queer Canon at blackqueercanon.com.
Follow the show on Instagram @Slayzhon
Follow Tre’vell Anderson @Rayzhon
Follow Mikelle Street @MikelleStreet

Emmy-winning writer and actor Lena Waithe joins Black Queer Canon hosts Tre’vell and Mikelle to discuss one of the most enduring studs on screen: Cleo Sims. Played by Queen Latifah in the 1996 crime drama “Set It Off,” Cleo has become a pivotal archetype for black butch lesbians on screen. In the episode, the three discuss Cleo’s impact, what the role says about masculinity and that brutally tragic death scene.

Black Queer Canon is a production of Slayzhon. It is created, hosted and executive produced by Mikelle Street and Tre’vell Anderson. Chris Rodgers is our associate producer and editor. Our theme is the track “Soul” by Neverending Nina. The project is supported by Critical Minded, an initiative to invest in cultural critics of color cofounded by The Nathan Cummings Foundation and the Ford Foundation.

Subscribe for weekly episodes.

Visit Black Queer Canon at blackqueercanon.com.

Follow the show on Instagram @Slayzhon
Follow Tre’vell Anderson @Rayzhon
Follow Mikelle Street @MikelleStreet