History of Drag (USA)

A history of drag in the United States.

Historic Drag Queens

• William Dorsey Swann (1858-1925)

19th Century

After the Civil War, people born into slavery who were freed would start drag and ball culture in major cities, like William Swann. Female impersonation also became popular in racist minstrel shows which utilized blackface.

Drag Queens

• William Dorsey Swann (1858-1925)

Female Impersonators

• Ernest Linden
• Francis Leon (1844-1922)
• Guy Pixley

Photo Gallery

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Police Raids on Drag Events

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• Police raid against Willian Dorsey Swann, article describes a "drag". (1887)
• Another police raid against William Dorsey Swann, article states they wanted to "give a drag". (1896)