Historically Significant Entertainment: Cross-dressing has been part of the regional entertainment scene since the inception of the industry
In the vibrant cultural landscape of Cincinnati, Ohio, the history of drag and gender impersonation has left an indelible mark, reflecting a broader evolution of this art form across the United States.
The roots of drag can be traced back to the late 19th and early 20th centuries, when vaudeville and theatre performances frequently featured male actors portraying female roles, particularly in comedic or satirical contexts. This tradition paved the way for the development of modern drag.
During the 1920s and 1930s, underground clubs and speakeasies emerged as popular venues for performances that challenged societal norms. One such figure was Lestra LaMonte, a prominent figure in American drag history who married Republican-connected tailor Harry Schneller in 1920 and moved into a crowded home on Elm Street. LaMonte's career took off, with performances at Shillito's Department Store in Cincinnati and headlining at New York's Palace Theater in 1928. However, LaMonte faced challenges, including a series of suspicious fires in 1922 that destroyed hundreds of dollars worth of stage costumes.
Post-war America saw a rise in the popularity of drag shows and clubs, particularly in more accepting urban areas. Cincinnati was no exception, with venues like the Cotton Club in the Hotel Sterling's West End featuring beloved drag artists such as Faye Lawrence, Baby Ray, Shelina Rogers, and Dixie Lee. The Varga Club, nestled at Sixth and York Streets in Newport, was another infamous nightspot, known for its modest stage lit by a rainbow of spotlights and thick with smoke and anticipation.
However, the rise of drag performances began to stoke public anxiety as postwar America was gripped by moral panic. In July 1948, Newport's Varga Club and New Look Club were threatened with police raids unless they canceled their impersonator acts. The crackdown on drag performances escalated, with Newport City officials meeting with nightclub owners to "regulate" their entertainment following complaints.
Despite these challenges, drag queens and kings have been a constant presence in American entertainment since its beginning. Figures like Annie Hindle, considered the first male impersonator in the US, moved to Cincinnati in the 1870s and was both a sensation and a target due to their refusal to conform to social expectations. Julian Eltinge, often hailed as the greatest female impersonator of all time, began performing at the age of ten and by 1904 had ascended to the top of the vaudeville circuit.
Today, Cincinnati hosts various LGBTQ+ events and has venues that support drag performances, indicating a continued interest and acceptance of this art form. For more detailed historical information specific to Cincinnati, you might consider consulting local historical societies, LGBTQ+ archives, or cultural institutions that focus on the city's history and performance arts. By exploring these resources, you can gain a deeper understanding of the history of gender impersonation and drag culture in Cincinnati.
- Covington, a neighboring city to Cincinnati in Northern Kentucky, also has a significant history of drag performances, with venues like the Varga Club attracting crowds in the post-war era.
- Kenton County, where Covington is located, has a rich cultural landscape, offering educational-and-self-development opportunities for those interested in understanding the evolution and impact of drag culture in the region.
- In the realm of sports and lifestyle, Cincinnati has embraced the diversity of its community, hosting LGBTQ+ events and providing stages for drag performances, reflecting a broader shift in societal attitudes.
- The editorial and news landscape of Cincinnati is ripe for in-depth explorations of local culture, including the history of gender impersonation and drag culture, which can be found in local archives and cultural institutions.
- Entertainment in Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky is multifaceted, with drag performances having left an indelible mark on the region's cultural identity, contributing to its vibrant and inclusive scene.
