Boulder Drag Queens Unveiled: A Historical Celebration at Morning Glory Cafe PRIDE Event!
Join The Festivities On June 28th At Morning Glory! Be There Or Be Square!
On June 28th, the ever fantastic and popular Morning Glory in Lafayette is hosting a 21+ PRIDE Drag show. Seats are limited to only 80, and this is a very popular event. Reservations at the restaurant or call [ #].
AboutBoulder will cover the event, and Lensworth is the Official Photographer for the event. You don’t have to be LGBTQ+ to be wonderfully entertained, just as you don’t need to be a ballet dancer to love the ballet.
Where did drag queens come from?? In spite of popular belief, it was not invented recently in San Francisco, Greenwich Villiage, or Boulder.
The history of drag queens is rich and multifaceted, spanning centuries and encompassing various cultures and social movements. Here is an overview of key periods and developments:
Early History
1. Ancient Times: Cross-dressing and gender performance have roots in ancient civilizations. In Greek and Roman theater, male actors often played female roles, as women were not allowed to perform.
Early Drag Queens In Greek And Roman Theater
2. Shakespearean Era: In Elizabethan England, all female roles in theater were played by men or boys, a tradition that influenced later theatrical practices.
To Dress Or Not To Wear A Dress! That Is The Question!
19th Century
1. Vaudeville and Minstrelsy: In the 19th century, drag performances became a staple in vaudeville and minstrel shows. These performances often featured exaggerated stereotypes and were a significant part of the entertainment culture.
2. Pantomime Dames: In Britain, the tradition of pantomime dames—men playing comical female roles—became popular in theater, contributing to the culture of drag performance.
Early 20th Century
1. Cabaret and Nightclubs: In the early 20th century, drag queens began to gain prominence in cabaret and nightclub scenes, particularly in cities like Berlin and Paris. Performers such as Julian Eltinge became famous for their female impersonations.
2. Harlem Renaissance: The Harlem Renaissance of the 1920s saw a vibrant drag culture within the African American community, with drag balls becoming a significant cultural phenomenon.
Mid 20th Century
1. Post-War Era: After World War II, drag culture continued to flourish in underground clubs and bars, despite widespread legal and social discrimination against LGBTQ+ individuals.
2. Stonewall Riots: The Stonewall Riots of 1969 were a turning point for LGBTQ+ rights in the United States, with drag queens playing a crucial role in the protests that sparked the modern gay rights movement. This was a critical event in the history of drag queens, and in the history of our LGBTQ+ friends, neighbors, and family.
Late 20th Century
1. 1970s and 1980s: The drag scene continued to evolve, with figures like Divine becoming iconic in the realm of film and entertainment. The 1980s also saw the rise of the ballroom scene, particularly within African American and Latino communities in New York City, documented in films like “Paris Is Burning.”
2. RuPaul and Mainstream Success: In the 1990s, RuPaul emerged as a mainstream drag queen, achieving success with the hit song “Supermodel (You Better Work)” and later launching “RuPaul’s Drag Race,” which has brought drag culture to a global audience.
21st Century
1. Cultural Impact: Drag has become a significant cultural phenomenon, influencing fashion, music, and mainstream media. “RuPaul’s Drag Race” has produced numerous drag celebrities and has been instrumental in bringing drag into the cultural mainstream.
2. Diversity and Representation: Modern drag culture embraces a wide range of gender expressions and identities, with drag kings (female performers who impersonate men) and non-binary performers gaining visibility.
Modern Drag King
The history of drag queens is a testament to the resilience and creativity of the LGBTQ+ community. From ancient theater to modern reality TV, drag has continually evolved, reflecting broader societal changes and pushing the boundaries of gender and performance. Today, drag queens are celebrated for their artistry, activism, and contributions to culture and entertainment.
Enjoy our LGBTQ+ friends and families in a comfortable environment. For our LGBTQ+ guests and organizers, thanks for bringing this historical event to town! We will all have a blast. Limited menu and cocktails are on the menu.
MORNING GLORY: (303) 604-6351 (no voice mails for reservations, so call before 3 PM. Closed Tuesdays. Best Breakfast in Lafayette served until closing. RECOMMENDED: The Niwot Omlette (a Greek-influenced marvel). 1377 Forest Park Cir Suite 101, Lafayette, CO 80026 at the West end of the parking lot. CAUTION: the parking lot is exciting, so go slow and be alert! South-East corner of 95th and Arapahoe.
Lenny Lensworth Frieling
Shared Knowledge Is Power!
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