Sylvester: The Power of Black Joy and Resistance
When I think about Black joy as resistance, I think about Sylvester. A pioneer of disco, a gender-bending icon, and a Black queer trailblazer who refused to be anything other than himself. His music—unapologetically joyful, defiant, and free — was more than just a soundtrack to the dance floor; it was a revolution in sound and spirit.
In a time where politicians are actively working to erase LGBTQ+ history, dismantle diversity initiatives, and suppress the voices of marginalized communities, figures like Sylvester remind us of the power of joy as an act of defiance. His music wasn’t just about fun—it was about freedom. It was about claiming space. It was about saying, I exist, I am beautiful, and you cannot silence me.
What Sylvester Means to Me, to Us
Writing about Sylvester in this space isn’t just about honoring his legacy — it’s about recognizing his impact on people like me — like all of us who refuse to fit into the narrow boxes society tries to shove us into. Sylvester was more than just a musician; he was a roadmap to liberation. He was someone who showed us that Blackness and queerness could be loud, proud, and unstoppable.
For me, Sylvester represents what it means to embrace every part of who I am: Black, queer, femme, and faithful. He reminds me that joy isn’t just a fleeting moment — it’s a political statement. To dance, to love, to dress however the hell I want, to praise in my own way — that is resistance. That is the spirit of Sylvester living on in all of us.
Celebrating Black Joy in 2025
Let’s carry on Sylvester’s legacy by celebrating our full, glorious, Black queer selves.
Through music — blasting disco classics, house beats, and every song that makes us feel alive.
Through storytelling — lifting up the voices of our queer Black elders who paved the way.
Through fashion, through movement, through laughter, through love.
When they try to silence us, we sing louder. When they try to legislate us out of existence, we show up in full force. When they try to erase our joy, we dance harder.
Sylvester once said, “You Make Me Feel (Mighty Real).” And isn’t that what we all deserve? To be seen, to be real, to be free?
This month, and every month, we celebrate not just our history, but our future. A future where Black joy is undeniable. A future where Sylvester’s spirit lives on in each and every one of us.
So put on your fiercest look, turn up the music, and step into the fullness of who you are. Because that — that — is mighty real.
