It’s pride month and what better way to celebrate how far we’ve come than by looking back at some icons that helped pave the way. Here on the blog we’ve already listed some drag queens from the hidden underground of vintage Hollywood and some queer icons you should all know so this year, let’s look at some iconic vintage drag queens who made their mark from the 1940s to the 1970s:

1. The Rocky Twins (1920s-1970s):

• Leif and Paal Roschberg, twin brothers from Denmark, achieved international fame as drag performers.
• They impersonated the iconic Dolly Sisters, known for their lavish costumes and extravagant performances.
• Their careers spanned over five decades, captivating audiences across Europe and beyond.
• They were dancers who rose to fame in the Jazz Age, performing in Paris music halls in the late 1920s. Their act was known for being outrageous.
• They were considered to be very handsome men, and had successful careers in Europe and America throughout the 1930s.

2. Gladys Bentley (1907-1960):

• Gender-Bending Icon:While sometimes billed as a “male impersonator,” Gladys Bentley defied easy categorization. She often performed in a black and white tuxedo, challenging gender norms through her attire and stage presence.
• Harlem Renaissance Star: During the 1920s and 30s, Bentley was a prominent figure in the Harlem Renaissance. She headlined at legendary venues like the Cotton Club, captivating audiences with her powerful voice and risqué performances.
• Musical Innovation: Bentley was known for her unique musical style. She incorporated blues, jazz, and popular songs,often adding playful innuendo and lyrics that hinted at her sexuality. Her deep, booming voice and occasional scat singing further set her apart.
• Pushing Boundaries: Bentley’s act openly addressed themes of sexuality and gender fluidity, challenging societal expectations at the time. She was a pioneer in defying racial, sexual, and gender norms through her art.

3. Josephine Baker (1906-1975):

• Global Phenomenon: An American-born entertainer, Baker rose to international fame in the 1920s and 30s, captivating audiences in Paris with her exotic dance routines and vibrant personality.
• Banana Skirt Icon: Her signature costume, a skirt made of only sixteen bananas, became a symbol of her career and a daring fashion statement that challenged traditional notions of femininity.
• Blurring Gender Lines: While not explicitly performing in drag, Baker’s stage persona often pushed boundaries. She wore minimal clothing, embraced androgyny, and defied expectations of how a Black woman should present herself.
• Beyond the Stage: Baker’s influence extended far beyond entertainment. She was a vocal advocate for civil rights, a French Resistance spy during WWII, and a mother to adopted children from around the world, actively challenging societal norms throughout her life.

4. Danny La Rue (1927-2009):

• Stage Persona: Born Daniel Patrick Carroll, he adopted the stage name “Danny La Rue” and became a beloved British entertainer known for his glamorous drag performances.
• Comedy and Glamour: While not always impersonating specific celebrities, his act blended comedy, witty banter, and glamorous costumes, often featuring elaborate gowns and wigs.
• Showbiz Success: He achieved immense popularity in the UK, becoming one of the highest-paid entertainers in the 1960s. He even had his own nightclub in London and later owned a renowned inn.
• Breaking Barriers: Though not openly challenging gender norms like some drag queens, he paved the way for greater acceptance of drag performance in mainstream British culture. He even played female roles in musicals like “Hello,Dolly!” and pantomimes.

5. Divine (1945-1988):

• The “Queen of Filth”: Divine, whose real name was Harris Glenn Milstead, rose to fame in the 1960s and 70s as a Baltimore-based drag performer known for outrageous, often shockingly grotesque acts.
• Collaboration with John Waters: He became a muse and frequent star in the films of filmmaker John Waters, known for their transgressive and darkly comedic content. Films like “Pink Flamingos” and “Female Trouble” cemented Divine’s status as a cult icon.
• Subverting Beauty Standards: Divine’s persona embraced excess and exaggeration, often sporting heavy makeup,oversized wigs, and exaggeratedly feminine attire. He challenged traditional notions of beauty and femininity through his grotesque and humorous performances.
• Beyond the Shock Value: Despite the shocking nature of his acts, Divine also conveyed themes of societal hypocrisy,gender fluidity, and outsider acceptance through his work. He left a lasting impact on drag culture and the acceptance of alternative forms of self-expression.

Want to read some more?

Vintage Drag Queens You Should Know

Vintage Gay Celebrities You Should Know

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