Masters of Drag
In this digital series, New York's sweetest drag diva Peppermint tells the story of pioneering American drag artists. In the process, she demonstrates how drag is a performance art form that has thrived in this country for generations, entertaining LGBTQ+ and general audiences alike, and providing the former with an important outlet of self-expression.
William Dorsey Swann: The first "Queen of Drag"
Video has Closed Captions
Born into slavery, Swann was the first known person to identify as a “Queen of Drag.” (4m 39s)
Crystal Labeija: The Queen Who Reinvented Ball Culture
Video has Closed Captions
Crystal was a proud Black trans woman, a drag mother and, a pageant girl. (5m 38s)
Jean Malin: Queen of the Pansies
Video has Closed Captions
Jean Malin was one of the first openly gay performers in the Prohibition era. (5m 57s)
Flawless Sabrina: Queer Icon and Star of 'The Queen'
Video has Closed Captions
She was an artist, activist, gay mother and mentor to hundreds of queer youth. (6m 30s)
Joan Jett Blakk: The drag queen who ran for president
Video has Closed Captions
She ran for president in lipstick, heels and eyeshadow. (6m 13s)
Jose Sarria: Legendary Drag Queen and Queer Activist
Video has Closed Captions
Sarria was a legend of the San Francisco drag scene. (5m 52s)
Gladys Bentley: Drag King of the Harlem Renaissance
Video has Closed Captions
Gladys Bentley was a musician and drag king who was a part of the Harlem Renaissance. (5m 57s)
Julian Eltinge: Female Impersonator of the Vaudeville Era
Video has Closed Captions
Julian Eltinge was a female impersonator who was once America's highest paid performer. (4m 45s)
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