Madison Alexander Moore is a renowned African-American artist, scholar, DJ, and cultural critic who has redefined how we view queer aesthetics and nightlife. As an Assistant Professor of Modern Culture and Media at Brown University, Moore blends academic research with performance, music, and cultural production, giving voice to queer and transgender people of color through innovative scholarship and artistry.
With a Ph.D. in American Studies from Yale University and the groundbreaking book Fabulous: The Rise of the Beautiful Eccentric, Moore has become a powerful figure in cultural criticism. Their work not only celebrates Black queer aesthetics and performance studies but also highlights the transformative power of nightlife, fashion, and music in shaping identity and community.
Key Facts
Key Fact | Information |
---|---|
Full Name/Real Name | Madison Alexander Moore |
Birth Date/Birth Place | Born 1981/1982, Ferguson, Missouri, USA |
Age | Approximately 42-44 years old (as of 2025) |
Family Background | Raised by grandmother in a working-class family |
Education | B.A. French Literature, University of Michigan; M.A. French Literature, Yale University; Ph.D. American Studies, Yale University |
Nationality | American |
Ethnicity | African-American |
Early Life of Madison Moore
Madison Alexander Moore was born in the United States in 1981/1982, and from an early age showed a deep curiosity for literature, art, and cultural expression. Although family details remain undisclosed, Moore’s formative years were marked by a strong interest in identity, creativity, and social narratives that would later influence their groundbreaking work in queer studies and performance culture.
Their academic path began with a B.A. in French Literature at the University of Michigan, where Moore graduated with honors. Driven by a passion for intellectual exploration, they advanced to Yale University, earning both a Master’s in French Literature and a Ph.D. in American Studies. This impressive educational background laid the foundation for Moore’s role as a scholar, artist, and cultural critic who bridges academia with the lived experiences of queer and trans communities.
Also read about: mary-joan-martelly
Full name/Real name:
Madison Alexander Moore
Birth date/Birth place:
Born 1981/1982 in Ferguson, Missouri, USA
Family background:
Raised by his grandmother in a working-class family
School/University:
- University of Michigan — B.A. in French Literature
- Yale University — M.A. in French Literature, Ph.D. in American Studies
Career Journey of Madison Moore
Madison Alexander Moore’s career reflects a powerful blend of scholarship, artistry, and cultural criticism, making them a unique voice in modern academia and performance. After completing their Ph.D. in American Studies at Yale University, Moore began shaping their professional path with early teaching and research roles, including a Postdoctoral Research Associate position at King’s College London (2014–2018). This period became a turning point as they immersed themselves in international conversations on queer nightlife, performance, and Black queer aesthetics.
The true breakthrough came with the release of Moore’s widely acclaimed book, Fabulous: The Rise of the Beautiful Eccentric (2018), which established them as a leading cultural critic. During their peak academic years, Moore served as an Assistant Professor at Virginia Commonwealth University (2018–2022) and later at the USC Roski School of Art and Design (2022–2023), where they expanded their research into fashion, body politics, and queer performance studies.
Currently, as an Assistant Professor of Modern Culture and Media at Brown University (2023–present), Moore continues to build on their notable work, including the upcoming book How to Go Clubbing (Yale University Press), solidifying their legacy as a scholar who bridges academia, nightlife, and queer culture.

Physical Appearance of Madison Moore
Age:
Born 1981/1982, making him approximately 42-44 years old as of 2025.
Height:
Height 5-6
Weight:
Weight. 120 lbs
Body measurement:
MEASUREMENTS: 34B-26-36
Major Achievements of Madison Moore
Madison Alexander Moore has made a lasting mark with their groundbreaking contributions to queer aesthetics and performance studies. Their most celebrated accomplishment is the publication of Fabulous: The Rise of the Beautiful Eccentric (2018), a book that explores how fashion, nightlife, and individuality shape queer identity. This work not only earned Moore recognition in academic circles but also positioned them as a leading voice in cultural criticism, celebrated for amplifying the artistry of queer and trans people of color.
Beyond writing, Moore’s academic and curatorial projects on queer nightlife and performance have further cemented their reputation. They have held prestigious teaching positions at Virginia Commonwealth University, USC Roski School of Art and Design, and now Brown University, inspiring the next generation of scholars and artists.
In 2025, Moore’s influence reached a global audience when they were featured in a Google Doodle celebrating Pride Month and hyperpop culture, a milestone that highlighted their impact on both scholarship and popular culture.
Personal Life
Family:
Raised by his grandmother in a solidly working-class family in Ferguson, Missouri.
Nationality of Madison Moore:
American
Ethnicity:
African-American
Net worth of Madison Moore:
$2 Million
Social media presence:
- Website: madisonmooreonline.com
- Active on academic platforms like LinkedIn and Brown University research profile.
- Known for contributions as a DJ and cultural critic with a public presence mainly via writing and academic work but does not have widely reported active personal social media accounts.
Platform | Handle/Link | Description |
---|---|---|
Official Website | madisonmooreonline.com | Personal website with biography and projects |
@madisonmoore (verified posts) | Photographs and public engagement | |
Brown University Profile | vivo.brown.edu/display/mmoore61 | Academic profile, research, and publications |
linkedin.com/in/madisonmoore | Professional profile, career details | |
Google Scholar | scholar.google.com/citations?user=glmgqegAAAAJ | Academic publications and citations |
Interesting Facts About Madison Moore
- Madison Moore is not only a scholar but also an accomplished DJ, blending music with cultural critique.
- Their book Fabulous features interviews with leading queer performers and artists worldwide.
- Moore has taught at top institutions across the U.S. and Europe, including King’s College London and Brown University.
- They were recognized in the 2025 Google Doodle for Pride Month, honoring their work on queer culture and hyperpop.
- Moore’s upcoming book, How to Go Clubbing, explores the cultural significance of nightlife and club spaces.
Conclusion
Madison Alexander Moore stands as a trailblazing figure in Black queer aesthetics, cultural criticism, and performance studies, seamlessly bridging the worlds of academia, art, and nightlife. Through their influential book Fabulous: The Rise of the Beautiful Eccentric and ongoing research, Moore has redefined how we view queer identity, fashion, and nightlife culture, making their work both academically rigorous and culturally impactful.
As an Assistant Professor at Brown University and an internationally recognized DJ and cultural critic, Moore continues to inspire conversations about gender, sexuality, and body politics. Their achievements demonstrate the power of blending scholarship with creativity, ensuring that the voices of queer and trans people of color are not only heard but celebrated. Madison Moore’s legacy lies in showing the world that art, identity, and performance are vital tools for both resistance and transformation.
FAQs About Madison Moore
1. Who is Madison Alexander Moore?
Madison Moore is an African-American artist, scholar, DJ, and cultural critic specializing in queer aesthetics and performance studies.
2. What is Madison Moore best known for?
They are widely recognized for their book Fabulous: The Rise of the Beautiful Eccentric and research on queer nightlife and culture.
3. Where does Madison Moore teach?
Moore is currently an Assistant Professor of Modern Culture and Media at Brown University.
4. What are Madison Moore’s research interests?
Their work focuses on Black queer aesthetics, performance studies, body politics, and fashion.
5. Has Madison Moore received global recognition?
Yes, in 2025, Moore was featured in a Google Doodle for Pride Month, honoring their impact on queer culture and hyperpop.