W. H. Auden 

1907-1973

Anglo-American poet whose brilliant insights, political engagement and unsurpassed technical virtuosity in nearly every verse form influenced a generation of writers.

James Baldwin

1924–1987

Eloquent novelist, essayist, poet, social critic, civil rights leader and passionate advocate for racial equality and human rights for gays.

Quentin Crisp

1908-1999

Writer, lecturer and raconteur whose flamboyance and caustic wit attracted public interest in his views about social manners, style and conformity.

Federico Garcia Lorca

1898–1936

Poet, dramatist and political activist whose heroic opposition to totalitarianism resulted in his murder by Fascists during the Spanish Civil War.

Allen Ginsberg

1926–1997

Renowned poet, leading figure of the Beat Generation of American writers and artists, champion of freedom of expression and sexual self-determination.

Audre Lorde

1934-1992

American writer, political activist, and self-described black feminist lesbian mother warrior poet, whose work confronted racism, sexism and homophobia.

Yukio Mishima

1925–1970

Japanese novelist, playwright, poet, actor and film director whose work blended modern and traditional aesthetics to explore sexuality and political change.

Randy Shilts

1951–1994

Influential author and journalist, the first openly gay reporter to cover LGBT issues for American mainstream media.

Gertrude Stein

1874–1946

Experimental American writer whose Paris salon brought together many of the artists and authors who would help define modernism in literature and art.

Oscar Wilde

1854–1900

Irish dramatist, poet, novelist and essayist known for his biting wit, flamboyant dress, glittering conversation and artistic achievements.