Sylvester, the "Queen of Disco" (1947–1988)
Born in Los Angeles Sylvester developed a love of singing through the gospel choir of their Pentecostal church. In their early teens Sylvester left the family home to live with their grandmother, who was more accepting of their homosexuality and crossdressing
In the 60s Sylvester found friendship among a group of black cross-dressers and transgender women who called themselves 'The Disquotays'. Sylvester performed in drag as Ruby Blue singing Billie Holliday and the other blues singers. While in 'The Disquotays' Sylvester befriended Etta James, getting to sing together in her home. After moving to San Francisco in 1967, Sylvester joined avant-garde drag troupe 'The Cockettes'
In 1973 Sylvester started working on music, recording an unreleased album. "His backing band for this project was unique in that the members were all white heterosexual males called 'The Hot Band.'" Switching management Sylvester found new backing singers, duo 'Two Tons O’ Fun' who would later change their name to 'The Weather Girls.'
In 1977 Sylvester released their first album and the next year they began working on their follow up album, which produced their biggest song “You Make Me Feel (Mighty Real)” Sylvester went on to release ten albums in the span of nine years.
Sylvester was an activist who campaigned against the spread of HIV/AIDS. Their partner Rick Cranmer died of AIDS-related complications in 1987, a year before Sylvester would also pass from the virus. They left all future royalties from their work to San Francisco-based HIV/AIDS charities. As per their wishes, they were buried in a red kimono with full make up.
When people would ask them to label themselves, they would say simply and proudly, “I am Sylvester!"