16 Black Gay Men to Watch in 2016

Too many times, I think we wait on other people to recognize our own. In my blog about the Odell Beckham Phenomenon: Why Gays Shouldn't Support the Media Trying to "Out" Him, I established that I believe that we are some of the most creative, talented, driven and resilient men on the planet. I think it is time we used platforms such as these to recognize our talent and show off a little bit. Now, this list is definitely not all of the many people who are doing incredible work and making big moves in our culture, but from my limited perception, I wanted to create a list of 16 people in 2016 to watch from the Black, Gay community. Some of these are Bisexual or Agender-- but the key for me was that they are open.

Check the list out:

1. Freaky Boiz

I remember a couple years ago on Christmas, my cousins telling me to listen to these gay boys rap. I was taken aback because, although my family is pretty gay friendly, I didn't expect them to be introducing me to artists. Now, I see them at Milan Christopher's Ugly Sweater Christmas Party and I'm like they on the way! With a huge social media presence and a flow that reminds me of a gay Nicki Minaj (well she already sounds like a gay dude sometimes), these people are definitely worth seeing in 2016. Check out their YouTube Channel.

2. Frank Ocean

This dude been M.I.A. since Channel Orange which was highly successful even though many of his songs were gender ambiguous and one talked about a man. The singer came out as Bisexual, released this incredible CD, performed at a couple awards show and nothing... He was supposed to release an album in 2015, but I'm guessing in 2016 he will hit us hard with his new album, "Boy Don't Cry." I love his Tumblr, check it out here.

3. Armon Wiggins

The "REEEECCOOORRRDDDINNG LIve!" vlogger is on his way to new heights in 2016. He seems to be creating a platform to be the New Kid on the Block to be reckoned with. Unlike other gay male bloggers, he seems to resonate with people because he is real, raw and uncut: something that is very necessary in this community. I'll be interested to see what happens with this in 2016. Check him out on Facebook. Also here is another blog's post of some of his most memorable videos.

4. Todrick Hall

It can only get better with this multitalented artist. I mean he already has a show on MTV, been on Broadway and a following on social media the size of a some singers and rappers. When he put Beyonce's whole discography into one video, people really started watching this year! I think I'd be willing to say that he can only go up from here in the next year. Check out his website: www.todrickhall.com

5. Bobby Jarel

Just in case you don't remember him: he was the viral video vlogger that did "Teachers on the First day of School". This guy is hilarious, has incredible talent and is destined to do something good in the next year. Currently, he is focusing on bringing substance to his followers through his QOTD (Question of The Day) series of which I have set in with him on set to answer a couple questions. So, of course, if I'm involved, I'm expecting the great, right? Check out his YouTube Channel.

6. Jacob Kohinoor

When I say beautiful in any sense, I usually use this guy as an example. Shit, he will make it off that skin, ass and lips. Ha! No, but he is very talented and seems to be polished, media trained and "in-the-know". I can see him garnering a hosting gig or something in the next year. It definitely seems like the trajectory he's going. Check out his YouTube Channel.

7. Harrison Guy

You know I rep hard for my Houston people because we don't have many people down here putting us out there. If you're in Houston and gay, you can't miss this man-- he is everywhere!! From arts to politics to social scenes, this man finds a way to put his face, talents and personality there. He has been a force to be reckoned with since he started Urban Souls Dance Company, but now, he is on another level. A mogul of sorts that is expanding so rapidly, we can't even keep up. Check out his dance company's website: www.urbansoulsdancecompany.com.

8. Jai with the Funny Name

He's the other Black, Gay blogger who focuses on sex. Of course, he can write eloquently about anything, but I love his sex talks. I have love for this man because he figured out how to make a living off being a blogger and producing substance in our community long before me and now we are in this thang together! Also, he's been pretty quiet , but I hear there is something big coming up in 2016 for him. Be on the look out! Check out his website: www.myfunnyname.com

9. Devin Barrington Ward

This man has worked in policy and advocacy since he was dropped out his mother's womb. The way he commands a room and meets people to further the agenda of gay men of color, is nonchallenged-- and was once voted one of Washington, D.C.'s most eligible singles. He is young, attractive and you hardly ever see him outside of suits-- except those few moments he is feeling like the "trade". This year he hosted a gala with Impluse Group DC to honor Black Gay Men that was hosted by TS Madison. Next year, I'm wondering what great advancements and fabulous events will he decide to host. Definitely, definitely keep your eye on him coming up. Check out the Impulse Group website to learn more about it: www.impulsegrp.org

10. Ashton P. Woods

An activist working for himself seems like a failed opportunity-- especially when you are focusing on all things that are anomalies in themselves such as Black, Gay, Atheist and HIV Positive. This powerhouse has proven that wrong time and again in working with Sheila Jackson Lee, Sylvestor Turner- the new Houston mayor, Black Lives Matter movement and being an integral part of Houston Equal Rights Ordinance. From his blog to his Resume', this man has shown in 2015 that he is a force to be reckoned with-- all on his own! Can't expect anything less in 2016. Check out his website: www.ashtonpwoods.com.

11. Fly Young Redd

I remember first seeing the video to "Throw That Boy Pussy" and was like "Yessssssss!! Twerk sum bitch!" Ha! This man is quickly becoming a force to be reckoned with and seems to move in silence which is an incredible talent in the social media driven music industry. When I saw him sitting on the panel and speaking on "Out in Hip Hop" on VH1, I knew there had to be a plan in place. 2016 awaits! If you haven't heard "Throw That Boy Pussy", check it out here.

12. Mike Webb

Even though I'm well acquainted with Mike, this man has built such the platform in the United States that speaks to his "make it happen well" personality so I'm sure, if you don't know him, you will soon. From speaking on panels on every coast this year to unparalled work in politics, 2016 will be something to see. I feel like a run in politics is quickly approaching. The Normal Anomaly is for it! Follow him on Facebook here.

13. Vockah Redu

This guy has been a mainstay in the Bounce genre of music for years! Now, his music styling in which he considers it to be "Pop.Rock.Neo.Vock" has taken over festivals and shows so much that it is hard to keep up. With an incredible sound and incomparable presence and energy on stage, if you come to a show you won't be able to stay in your seats. Check him out in a city near you. Listen to one of his songs here.

14. Jordan Sneed

The creator of STAG Professional Singles Events has a niche that hasn't been touched before. It is refreshing to find someone focusing on Same Gender Loving Professional men who may or may not be looking for love, but are looking for some sense of kinship and socialization. It got off the ground in 2015, but in 2016 I can see this going very far, very fast! Like STAG Singles on Facebook here.

15. Francisco Luis White

If you don't follow this person on Twitter, you are missing out. One of the most prolific writers of our generation. Francisco's website offers poignant writings designed to address forms of stigma some of us haven't even considered-- and maybe participate in. I have fell in love with the unabashed, uncompromised truths told in such a poetic way that you can miss that it is cutting your ideas of heteronormativity, stigma or injustice in half as you are reading them. By the way Francisco is the only one on the list that is agender or, in other words, gender neutral. Visit Francisco's website at: www.franciscolwhite.com

16. Amir Dixon

The owner of NuNationNow and creator of "Friend of Essex", this is a person not to be played with. You can see him running the show at any given moment and, at the same time, running away from titles. One of the greatest things about this individual is he has set himself up to be one of the most powerful structures in our modern society-- and you will never know who he is connected to. I can't wait to see what he brings to the table in 2016! Check out the Friend of Essex Trailer.

Make sure you check these people out and send me some more ideas. I'm hoping to get enough people in to recognize that I can do 16 more! Email me at IanHaddock@thenormalanomaly.com