History of Drag (USA)
From LGBTQIA+ Archives Wiki
A history of drag in the United States.
Historic Drag Queens
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.
Drag Queens
Police Raids on Drag Events
- "Macintosh or Drag" ball was broken up, Alexandria Gazette (Article, 1861)
- Police break up a "Drag" ball, Jeffersonian (Article, 1861)
- 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)
