February 24, 2025 | Ricardo Wynn

Jamal Perry: standing in his truth

Growing up, Jamal didn't see queer Black representation in his world. He chose to be the difference.

Jamal Perry

"Your journey is yours to navigate at your own pace."

Jamal Perry was born in Gary, Indiana, and moved to Milwaukee, Wisconsin, with his mother in 2003 at the age of ten.

Since then, Milwaukee has been his home, shaping his educational and professional journey. He attended middle school, high school, and college in the city, building deep roots within the community.

Jamal proudly identifies as a queer Black man, embracing the intersecting identities of being same-gender-loving and gay. These identities are central to his lived experiences, shaping his personal and professional path.

His journey has been one of self-discovery, moving from struggling with his identity to fully embracing and integrating it into his work and advocacy.

Setting his own pace

Jamal’s coming out journey was a gradual process, beginning in his undergraduate years at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee.

While exploring his identity, he initially presented as an ally, engaging with the LGBTQ community while navigating personal fears about coming out.

The lack of close representation of openly queer Black individuals made the process challenging, but over time, he found his voice.

Coming out was a journey rather than a single event, unfolding over years as he built trust with friends and, ultimately, with his mother during a significant past relationship.

One of the most defining moments in Jamal’s life was his last relationship, which gave him the courage to live fully and openly. Introducing his partner to his mother and being out to his partner’s family allowed him to experience life authentically, reinforcing the importance of visibility and acceptance.

Navigating spaces as both Black and LGBTQ has presented challenges, including confronting internalized homophobia within the Black community and racism within LGBTQ spaces.

Finding places where he feels seen, safe, and represented has been an ongoing process, but Jamal has used these experiences to fuel his work in advocacy and community building.

Bringing people together

Jamal’s passion for community work stems from his natural ability to connect people.

As someone deeply connected to Milwaukee’s Black and LGBTQ communities, he is committed to creating safe, empowering spaces.

His journey into activism began with an empowerment program at Diverse & Resilient, a local LGBTQ organization, where he realized his calling to serve and uplift marginalized voices.

Currently, Jamal works as the HIV Biomedical Prevention Coordinator at the Wisconsin Department of Health Services. His work directly impacts vulnerable communities, ensuring access to critical health resources.

Beyond his professional role, he continues to create spaces for connection, empowerment, and joy, whether through personal gatherings or larger events.

He credits a vast network of mentors, friends, and community leaders for shaping his path, including Toufong, Vivian Storm, Jim Nance (Jazz), Ronnie Grace, Kofie Short, and many others.

Their support has been instrumental in his growth, personally and professionally.

Reflecting on a legacy

For Jamal, Black History Month is a time to celebrate resilience, achievements, and the enduring spirit of the African diaspora.

Recognizing the historical erasure of Black stories, he sees this month as an opportunity to reclaim space and honor those who paved the way.

He draws inspiration from artists and cultural icons like Michael Jackson, the Jackson family, Cab Calloway, Lena Horne, and the stars of the Harlem Renaissance. He also acknowledges the trailblazers in the fight against HIV/AIDS, whose work continues to influence his own efforts in public health.

By living authentically and advocating for Black LGBTQ voices, Jamal believes he is contributing to Black history in real-time. His work is a testament to resilience, representation, and community empowerment.

Jamal envisions a future where the Black LGBTQ community experiences greater inclusivity, representation, and systemic support. Despite ongoing challenges, he remains hopeful and motivated by the impact of his work and the people he serves.

Jamal Perry

His message to young Black LGBTQ individuals is one of hope and self-acceptance:

“It’s okay not to have all the answers. Your journey is yours to navigate at your own pace. Seek out community, find representation, and know that you are not alone.”

Closing thoughts

Having his story shared as part of this project is both humbling and empowering for Jamal. It represents another step in his journey of visibility, allowing him to be the representation he once lacked.

For many Black LGBTQ individuals, the experience of finding space within both Black history and queer history can feel isolating, but Jamal sees his story as a bridge between the two. His journey highlights the significance of acknowledging Black queer contributions to history those who have fought for civil rights, shaped culture, and built community despite the odds.

Black History Month is not just about honoring well-known historical figures, it is also about recognizing the unsung heroes, the everyday individuals who push boundaries and carve out space for themselves and others.

Black queer history is deeply woven into the fabric of Black liberation, from the Harlem Renaissance artists who defied gender and sexual norms to the activists of the Civil Rights and HIV/AIDS movements who demanded justice. Jamal understands that his work, both in public health and in creating spaces for Black LGBTQ people, continues this legacy.

By sharing his truth, Jamal contributes to the ongoing story of Black history. His presence and work reaffirm that Black LGBTQ individuals are not an afterthought but a vital part of the community’s resilience and brilliance. He encourages others to support Black businesses, Black queer-led events, and organizations that uplift marginalized voices, not just during Black History Month, but year-round.

Ultimately, Jamal Perry’s story is one of courage, authenticity, and unwavering dedication to his community.

By standing in his truth, he honors the past, shapes the present, and paves the way for future generations of Black LGBTQ individuals to live openly and unapologetically.

Jamal Perry