A History of Milwaukee Drag: Seven Generations of Glamour

For over a century, drag has been an unstoppable force in Milwaukee nightlife. On June 7, 1884, The Only Leon brought the fine art of female impersonation to the Grand Opera Hall, launching a proud local legacy that continues today at This Is It, La Cage, Hamburger Mary's, D.I.X. and innumerable other venues.

Historians Michail Takach and BJ Daniels recognize that today's LGBTQ liberties were born from the strength, resilience, and resistance of yesterday's gender non-conforming pioneers. This is a long overdue celebration of those stories, including high-rolling hustler of the Fourth Ward Badlands Frank Blunt, over-the-top dinner theater drag superstar of the 1950s Adrian Ames, and It Kid Jamie Gays, first-ever Miss Gay Milwaukee and Latin community hero.

And many, many more.

ISBN-13: 9781467149174

Media Type: Paperback

Publisher: History Press

Publication Date: 06-27-2022

Pages: 192

Product Dimensions: 8.90h x 5.90w x 0.50d

Series: American Heritage