2025 Native Son Awards: Domingo, Bankhead & Tazewell Honored
In a powerful celebration of Black LGBTQ+ leadership, the Native Son Awards in NYC honored Colman Domingo, Sean Bankhead, and paul Tazewell, recognizing their impact within the community. This year’s event, hosted by Don Lemon, underscored the crucial role these trailblazers play, particularly amid escalating challenges to LGBTQ+ rights and critical HIV/AIDS funding. The awards highlighted both the triumphs and struggles, offering a platform for vital voices to be heard. Emil wilbekin, founder of Native Son, amplified the call for action, emphasizing the need for preventative care and support. The event saw moving tributes, including Anna Wintour’s presentation to Domingo, and Cynthia Erivo’s introduction of tazewell, underscoring the community impact.Read about the awards and the challenges they addressed on News Directory 3. discover what’s next for these leading figures.
Native Son Awards Honor Black LGBTQ+ Trailblazers, Highlight Community Role
Updated June 15, 2025
New York – The IAC Building in New York City hosted the third annual Native Son Awards on June 11, 2025, celebrating Black gay men and their contributions. Don Lemon hosted the event, which recognized leaders in art, fashion, and activism. The awards, presented during Pride Month, also addressed the challenges facing the Black LGBTQ+ community.
Emil Wilbekin, founder of Native Son, emphasized the platform’s dedication to amplifying black LGBTQ+ voices. This year’s honorees included choreographer Sean Bankhead, costume designer Paul Tazewell, actor/director Colman Domingo, multidisciplinary artist Derrick Adams, education advocate Dr. David J. Johns, and HIV/AIDS activist Phill Wilson.
Speakers addressed the urgency of the moment, citing attacks on LGBTQ+ rights and federal HIV/AIDS funding cuts. Wilbekin shared his personal experiences managing HIV medication costs, highlighting disparities affecting Black men, especially in the South. He noted that only 14% of Black men who need preventative care can access it. Wilson echoed the call for action amid a growing health crisis.
Anna Wintour presented Domingo’s award, reflecting on their friendship. Domingo shared how he resisted industry pressure to conceal his sexuality. “It didn’t make sense,” Domingo said. “I wasn’t ashamed of who I was. I only grew up with my entire family loving and supporting me.”
Cynthia Erivo introduced Tazewell,who recently won a Tony Award for “Death Becomes Her.” Erivo noted their friendship began in 2018 during “Genius: Aretha.” Tazewell’s costume design for Elphaba in “Wicked,” portraying a Black woman with braids painted green, exemplified his creativity.Tazewell credited Erivo with “saving his life” during “Genius: Aretha” while he was grieving his husband’s death, adding, “Life is a gift. and tonight, I don’t just celebrate this great honor, I celebrate all of us.”
Lemon balanced humor and focus as host