Wanda Sykes is not the first to keep you in stitches with her wit and skill, but this week brings news of a major first for the stand-up comic who just made the list in Out Magazine‘s fourth annual Power 50 list. The annual roundup celebrates leaders, entertainers and key faces in the LGBT community. Wanda Sykes has been named No. 36 among the most influential gays and lesbians across the nation, down one spot from her ranking in 2009.
Now, aside from scoring her second HBO stand-up special, I’ma Be Me, in October, last year brought a series of exciting firsts for the comedienne/writer/actress.
If you didn’t know, Sykes has been cutting up on theatre stages, in a variety sitcoms and sketch comedy series for the longest. And she’s currently holding it down on television once again.
She’s one of very few women of color to host her own late-night talk show, The Wanda Sykes Show, and she proudly stands up and stands out for what’s right when it comes to the community she represents. Wana Sykes also just received the Stephen F. Kolzak Award at the 21st Annual GLAAD Media Awards ceremony. The award is presented to an LGBT media professional for promoting equal rights.
Sykes, along with her wife, Alex, also welcomed a beautiful set of twins last April, just weeks before she became the first African-American woman and openly LGBT person with the coveted roasting duties at the annual White House Correspondents’ dinner.
“Precious” director Lee Daniels also made the cut for the first time in Out Magazine’s Power 50. Daniels ranked on the annual list at No. 25.
It’s really good to see black entertainers and key figures representing the LGBT members of our community, but does this list need more?
On second thought, why aren’t there many black LGBT leaders and entertainers to choose from? What are your thoughts? Let us know how you feel by posting below.
