Blues culture in 1920s Harlem had some tolerance to homosexuality, and it showed up the songs and lives of some female blues singers. Gertrude Rainey, the "Mother of the Blues" sang the "Prove it On Me Blues" about her alleged lesbian behavior. Bessie Smith, in an argument with her lover Lillian, said, "I got 12 women on this show and I can have one every night if I want it." Gladys Bentley was an open lesbian who wore men's clothes. #blues #lesbian #gayhistory #lesbianhistory #blackhistory