A History of Milwaukee Drag: Seven Generations of Glamour

by B.J. Daniels

p>The queens that made Milwaukee famous
For over a century, drag has been an unstoppable force in Milwaukee nightlife. On June 7, 1884, "The Only Leon" brought the fine art of female impersonation to the Grand Opera Hall, launching a proud local legacy that continues today at This Is It, La Cage, Hamburger Mary's, D.I.X. and innumerable other venues.


Historians Michail Takach and BJ Daniels recognize that today's LGBTQ liberties were born from the strength, resilience, and resistance of yesterday's gender non-conforming pioneers. This is a long overdue celebration of those stories, including high-rolling hustler of the Fourth Ward "Badlands" Frank Blunt, over-the-top dinner theater drag superstar of the 1950s Adrian Ames, and "It Kid" Jamie Gays, first-ever Miss Gay Milwaukee and Latin community hero.


And many, many more.

Genres: Nonfiction, History, Queer

192 pages, Paperback

Published June 27, 2022

Reviews

[Victoria Jensen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m so glad I bought A History of Milwaukee Drag and I’m so glad Michail Takach and B.J. Daniels wrote it. It’s an interesting history in which I learned from and has broadened my perspective. I’m so proud that my brother Patrick contributed his photography to the book as well. I also see the work of art and creativity involved in self-expression and the courage demonstrated to be one’s self through this fine book.

[K Kriesel · Rating 3 out of 5]

I got this book specifically to look back on the history of the Miltown Kings troupe in the 00's, and was so disappointed to see drag kings aren't in the book at all! The book would more appropriately be titled "A History of Milwaukee Drag Queens." So much important history is excluded here.

Please don't say "LGBTQ" when you're only talking about the G.

[L.A. · Rating 5 out of 5]

An incredible history of not only drag in Milwaukee, but drag across the nation! Filled with fabulous photos and personal stories, you definitely don't want to miss this book. I loved it.

[Abbie Martin · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 ⭐️- enjoyed learning the history! The style of writing was perfect for oral history but hard to follow while reading

[Wendy Mathison · Rating 3 out of 5]

While the stories themselvs were
delightful, I just had such a tough go on the
book itself that I couldn't wait to put it down.
:(