Modern History
We consider modern history to be in the 20th century. With the invention of new media technology such as the radio, television, and the internet, modern history is extremely diverse. From Vaudeville to the Gay Right Movement, modern history pertains more to female impersonation combines both talents and lifestyles including sexuality.
America's First Queen
Drag Queen was not a term used prior to modern history. This small video shares the first historical account of Drag and Queen being used together. If RuPaul is Drag Mother, then William Dorsey Swann is the Grandmother of All Queens!!!
Vaudeville Shows
From 1870 until the roaring 20's, Vaudeville shows traveled the United States entertaining families. Along with ventriloquists and amateur acrobats, pantomime-like drag performances were popular among all ages. Some of these famous female impersonators were able to cross over into silent pictures. One of these famous actors was Julian Eltinge.
Madame Behave
1925 starring Julian Eltinge
Roaring 20s and Pansy Craze
After new mass media started to emerge, picture houses began sharing the talents of female impersonators. Yet, when prohibition started the morality of America started to shift, and drag started to equate to homosexuality. While speakeasies secretly popped up, so did the drag queens. After the fame of Julian Eltinge, new faces started to become known and these personas continued the Pansy Craze into the 1950s.
When Pansies Ruled
Homohistory.com has a great section all about the Pansy Craze. From music, motion pictures to live performances, Drag Queens have been loved throughout American History. Click on the button to read more from there page.
Equality, Gay Rights, and a Cultural Revolution
After a few decades of morality suppression on the homosexual, people of color, and other fringe minorities, a cultural revolution started to take place. With homosexuality being illegal and expression of those characteristics being forced to hide, drag what about to break its underground status. In 1969, at the Stonewall Inn in New York City, the police started to raid and arrest the patrons. This was a norm for any bars or locations that served the LGBTQ+ community. One this certain day though, the drag queens and transgendered members of the community started to fight back. The Stonewall Riots is socially recognized as the Gay Rights Revolution.
After the Stonewall Riots, the gay community started to fight and make it known that they were a part of the community and deserved to have rights and exist openly. Many of these faces are still alive today and have helped pave and lead the way to what drag is today!
Drag in the 80's
A History of the New York Drag Scene that Launched #RuPaul
by Vulture