Burton Clarke

Burton Clarke is a gay African-American alternative cartoonist. He is known for his contributions to the rise of LGBT comics and his focus on representing gay men of all races and classes in his art, using a mix of realism and fantasy to tackle complex issues such as internalized racism and homophobia.

Personal life Clarke was born in Plainfield, NJ. He received his Bachelor's in theatre from Syracuse University and his Master's in acting from Florida State University.

After four years at Sarasota's Asolo State Theatre, Clarke moved to New York. Due to the difficulty of finding steady work as a black actor, he eventually decided to fall back on his skills as a cartoonist, pursuing a personal interest in broadening gay representation in media. (1981), and in Meatmen Vol.1 (1986). He contributed cover art to Gay Comix #3, and another comic, "The Satyr", to Gay Gomix #10. He was also known for publications in the Playguy, First Hand, and Christopher Street magazine. while "The Satyr" confronts the ways in which internalized homophobia can lead to violence. His work has been recognized for the importance and rarity of its subject matter at the time, as well as its use in discussions about pornographic content and government funding for AIDS research.

Jerry Mills and Howard Cruse both expressed an admiration for Clarke's art and a desire to see him be more prolific in his output.

Select publications Cassell, Avery. Resistance: The LGBT Fight Against Fascism in WWII. Ed. Diane Kanzler. Dana Point, CA: Stacked Deck Press, November 16, 2018. The Queer Heroes Coloring Book. Ed. Jon Macy and Tara Madison Avery. Dana Point CA: Stacked Deck Press, July 29, 2016. Estler, Thomas. Abolitionista! Vol. 1. United Graphic LLC: Mattoon, Illinois, 2014. Queer Pin-Ups Card Deck sold by Northwest Press for the May 2015 Queers and Comics LGBTQ Cartoonist Conference in New York