History of Gay and Lesbian Life in Wisconsin - Media - Books

 
A History of Milwaukee Drag:
Seven Generations of Glamour

Year published:

2022

Author(s):

Michail Takach and B.J. Daniels

 
       
 

This book, published by American Heritage press, documents "The Queens that made Milwaukee famous".

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 B.J. Daniels recognize that today's LGBTQ liberties were born from the strength, resilience and resistance of yesterday's gender-nonconforming 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.

This history is examined by authors LGBT historian Michail Takach in his second book, and legendary performer B.J. Daniels in her first.

Appearance on TMJ4 'Morning Blend', June 16, 2022

 

 


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Last updated: June-2022.

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