We are thrilled to announce that Native Son, a leading platform founded by the esteemed Emil Wilbekin, has joined forces with Queerty in an exciting content partnership. Known for its dedication to amplifying the voices and stories of Black gay men, Native Son is now featured as a dedicated channel on Queerty. Emil Wilbekin, a celebrated journalist with distinguished roles at VIBE, GIANT, Essence, and Condé Nast, brings his expertise to this collaboration, offering advertisers a unique opportunity to connect with a targeted audience through powerful storytelling that celebrates their culture and contributions.
Why This Partnership Matters
In today’s media landscape, it’s crucial to highlight underrepresented voices. Our partnership with Native Son allows us to do just that, by creating a dedicated channel on Queerty where readers can explore a rich tapestry of content—from powerful editorials to intimate video features.
“Our stories are the narratives that define us, and through Native Son, we are reclaiming the power to tell them ourselves.”
– Emil Wilbekin, Founder of Native SonEmil’s passion for representation is evident in his heartfelt Editor’s Letter, which you can read here. In it, he delves into the significance of this partnership and the journey that led to its fruition.
Exciting Opportunities for Advertisers
This new partnership with Native Son presents a unique chance for brands to connect with a highly engaged and essential audience. By advertising on the Native Son channel, you can align your brand with powerful storytelling that resonates deeply with Black gay men, a community with significant cultural influence, who has been difficult to reach until now.
In addition to channel sponsorships, the upcoming Native Son 101 list, set to release this December, the new tentpole program will spotlight the achievements of prominent Black gay men across various industries. This prestigious list offers an exceptional opportunity for brands to connect with influential figures and enhance their visibility within the community.
For brands interested in exploring channel sponsorships, branded content (including articles, or videos), or even experiential activations, we invite you to reach out to our team at Q.Digital. Space is selling quickly and is available first-come, first-served. We look forward to partnering with brands that value diversity, inclusion, and impactful storytelling.
5 fun facts we learned from Native Son Founder Emil’s 20 Questions video
One of the standout features in this launch is Emil Wilbekin’s 20 Questions video, where he opens up about his life, inspirations, and the vision behind Native Son. It’s a must-watch for anyone interested in understanding the impact of this movement.
- He crashed a party and got to dance with Beyonce
- He wrote the Architectural Digest cover story for Shonda Rhimes
- He likes his coffee black with a splash of cream.
- Notes of a Native Son by James Baldwin is his favorite book
- It was really important to launch Native Son on Queerty on August 2nd for James Baldwin’s 100th birthday, which also happens to be Emil’s favorite author of all time.
A Timely Launch
Launching this channel on August 2nd is not just a coincidence—it’s a deliberate and meaningful choice. This date marks what would have been the 100th birthday of James Baldwin, a literary giant and a profound voice for the Black and LGBTQ+ communities. Baldwin’s legacy of courage, truth-telling, and cultural critique continues to resonate, making this the perfect moment to debut the Native Son channel on Queerty.
Check out our Baldwin 100 coverage:
- How James Baldwin’s Life & Legacy Can Help Us Navigate the Problems of Today: Darnell Moore’s insightful cover story on Baldwin’s enduring relevance.
- The Timeless Style & Savoir-Faire of James Baldwin: A look at Baldwin’s iconic style and influence.
- Join the James Baldwin Centennial Celebrations Worldwide: A guide to global events honoring Baldwin’s centennial.
Through this content, we honor Baldwin’s centennial by reflecting on his lasting contributions to literature, culture, and social justice, while launching a platform that continues his work of amplifying Black queer voices.
