Clayton Caldwell

Authors

• Clayton Caldwell

Disciplines

African American Studies | Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Studies | Queer Studies

Abstract

Abstract prepared by Gagandeep Kaur and Kelsey Pecchia In this interview, Clayton Caldwell—a queer lyricist and educator—shares his journey throughout the decades, reflecting on how his experiences have shaped his thinking and ideology. Born and raised in the projects of Brooklyn, Clayton spent the first 19 years of his life navigating a dysfunctional environment. At 18, he left without hesitation, beginning a journey that would take him across the country. Over the years, he has lived in New Jersey, Massachusetts, Georgia, North Carolina, and South Carolina, ultimately settling in Richmond, Virginia, for 19 years before returning to New York. Clayton’s life experiences have unintentionally led him to activism, supporting those around him, like his godbrother, helping them escape the cycle of poverty and build a successful life. His education fuels his hyper-analytical mindset, driving him to question and logically deconstruct the world around him. As such, Clayton refuses to comply with societal labels, refusing to identify with anything other than human. As a lyricist and passionate music enthusiast, Clayton has crossed paths with iconic artists like Sister Sledge, the renowned R&B/soul/disco vocal group, The Sylvers, a celebrated R&B family group, Melba Moore, and Fonzi Thornton, among others. For the past year and a half, Clayton has been actively involved with the SAGE Center in New York. He thrives on human connection, finding joy in meeting and conversing with others, describing the feeling as a kind of “high.”

Recommended Citation

Kaur, Gagandeep and Kelsey Pecchia. "Clayton Caldwell Interview (2024). Fordham University, SAGE Oral History Project.