Oral History with Rayceen Pendarvis
Abstract
The well-known “gender-bender”, self-identifying two-spirited, Black, gay longterm/long time DC community activist, Rayceen Pendarvis, discusses community contribution and hardships of life. From the Stonewall Riots in the late ‘60s to “Gangster Queens with an Attitude” to her affiliation with SWERV Magazine and “Reel Affirmations” to the launch of The Ask Rayceen Show, Pendarvis recollects historical memories and emphasizes the significance of LGBTQ+ activism across decades of battles. Born and raised
in Washington DC, the proud native expresses how LGBTQ+ affirming her city is and in what ways it has become that way. She expands on what this means for generations to come, while voicing her personal
experience coming out, evolving from Raymond to Rayceen, and being a Black, gay, and faithful father of 5, grandfather of 2, and mother for many. Pendarvis expands upon living up to her other names, “Queen
of the Shameless Plugs”, “earth mother to the gays”, and such through speaking her inspirational spiritual beliefs and embracing philosphical ideas. In this interview, Pendarvis extensively talks about the
prevalence of social media, political involvement/engagement, entertainment industry and the importance of overcoming obstacles, hardships, faith, family, love, life, and remembering history and
who we/you are.
in Washington DC, the proud native expresses how LGBTQ+ affirming her city is and in what ways it has become that way. She expands on what this means for generations to come, while voicing her personal
experience coming out, evolving from Raymond to Rayceen, and being a Black, gay, and faithful father of 5, grandfather of 2, and mother for many. Pendarvis expands upon living up to her other names, “Queen
of the Shameless Plugs”, “earth mother to the gays”, and such through speaking her inspirational spiritual beliefs and embracing philosphical ideas. In this interview, Pendarvis extensively talks about the
prevalence of social media, political involvement/engagement, entertainment industry and the importance of overcoming obstacles, hardships, faith, family, love, life, and remembering history and
who we/you are.
Date
Citation
“Oral History with Rayceen Pendarvis,” Rainbow History Project Digital Collections, accessed December 25, 2024, https://archives.rainbowhistory.org/items/show/1816.
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