Michael "Micci" Sainte-Andress (2021)
"I started out from a position that gave me a kind of confidence. I had some successes. I had a performance history. I had a resume. So I started succeeding very early on."
"I reject any notion that would change who I am. I am quite happy and grateful to be blessed with all the gifts God has given me."
Michael "Micci" Sainte-Andress
Michael Anthony “Micci” Sainte-Andress, born on November 26, 1950, in Seattle, Washington, experienced a turbulent childhood marked by a move to Houston, Texas in 1956 after his mother remarried. The shift from a diverse to a racially segregated environment deeply influenced his understanding of race, identity, and community. This early adversity would lay the groundwork for his future activism. From a young age, Sainte-Andress recognized the importance of embracing his full identity and supporting marginalized communities. He reflected, “When we suffer the best way to deal with it is to learn to prevail with grace,” that his grandmother Chlotele expressed to him which encapsulated his belief in overcoming hardship with dignity. His journey to self-acceptance and community advocacy was strengthened by the support of the family, particularly Mrs. Hawthorne, a family friend who adopted him and provided a strong foundation of love.
In 1971, Sainte-Andress enlisted in the U.S. Navy, serving until 1975. Although same-sex relations were criminalized in the military and created employment barriers for lesbian, gay, and bisexual servicemembers during these years, his commanding officers recognized his leadership abilities. Reflecting on his time in the Navy, Sainte-Andress said, “The Navy was one of the best decisions I ever made.” His experience taught him the value of mentorship and the importance of recognizing individual potential, regardless of sexual orientation. After moving to Washington, D.C., in 1975, Sainte-Andress immersed himself in the city’s LGBTQ+ community, becoming a popular performer as a director, writer and actor in the D.C. black theater scene and in venues like the Brass Rail, The Coffee House, and The Club House. These spaces also allowed him to connect with other LGBTQ+ individuals and contribute to D.C.’s rich LGBTQ+ culture, where he became known as “Micci” (pronounced “Mickey”) to his friends.
In the early 1980s, the AIDS crisis began to affect communities across the U.S., and Sainte-Andress became increasingly involved in advocacy efforts, especially within the African American community. The rising number of Black gay men diagnosed with AIDS in Washington, D.C., spurred action from local activists, including Sainte-Andress. In 1983, he participated in one of the first AIDS forums specifically for Black and Third-World gay men at The Club House nightclub. This event, notable for its location and its powerful imagery of Black men embracing, marked an important step in addressing the AIDS crisis within the Black community and challenging the notion that AIDS was a disease affecting only white individuals.
Sainte-Andress’s advocacy extended beyond community education; he played a key role in ensuring African American participation in clinical trials for AIDS medication. As a volunteer model for a national campaign, he worked to raise awareness and ensure that Black gay men were represented in efforts to develop effective treatments for HIV/AIDS. This initiative helped challenge stereotypes and bring attention to the needs of Black communities in the fight against the epidemic.
In 1986, Michael tested positive for HIV. His initial period of denial and depression transformed into a driving force for activism. He later shared, “After a long period of denial, depression, and alcohol abuse, my HIV diagnosis became a motivator for activism.” His experience with the virus deepened his commitment to raising awareness and supporting others living with AIDS. By 1993, his T-cell count had declined to the point where he was diagnosed with AIDS, and by 1994, his health had deteriorated to the point of requiring disability. Despite the severity of his condition, he maintained an optimistic outlook, stating, “AIDS has come to be the least of my health worries. I know how to handle it. Diabetes has been a much more serious thing for me in the last several years.”
Throughout his life, Sainte-Andress has been inspired by leaders in the LGBTQ+ community, such as his mentor, the late Joseph Meachem. Michael expressed, “I don’t believe in heroes, but there are LGBT people that I admire,” emphasizing the importance of collective leadership and community strength. Michael “Micci” Sainte-Andress’s journey reflects resilience, compassion, and unwavering dedication to the LGBTQ+ community. As a 2021 Community Pioneer, his story continues to inspire those facing adversity. His life is a testament to the power of self-acceptance, kindness, and the importance of fighting for equality, demonstrating that every individual has the capacity to make a profound impact on their community.