Faggot Balls

Artist/Designer: various artists

Project Location: New York, New York

A black and white photograph of a band performing. A man playing the upright bass is in the center, playing the instrument bending over between his legs. Two couples dance together on opposite sides of the photo frame

Figure 1: A backing band at the Ubangi Club in Harlem, which often supported lesbian performer Gladys Bentley. ( Source | Accessed : December 24, 2021 | Photographer: from: LGBTQ Nation )

An image of a newspaper article showing black and white photos of drag performers

Figure 2: A newspaper's reporting on a drag ball in Harlem, 1930s. ( Source | Accessed : December 24, 2021 | Photographer: from: Harlem World Magazine )

Black and white photo of a group of people gathered in a room. Some are seated and some are standing. The people are mostly women dressed in typically men's clothing like business suits.

Figure 3: Women dressed for a drag ball at Webster Hall. ( Source | Accessed : December 24, 2021 | Photographer: from: Atlas Obscura )

Black and white photograph taken from a high angle looking down at a stage. Four people in flowing dresses are dancing. Other performers are on a stage behind the dancers.

Figure 4: Interior shot of an early drag ball performance at Webster Hall ( Source | Accessed : December 24, 2021 | Photographer: from: Schlesinger Library )

Style/Period(s):
Eclectic

Primary Material(s):
No Primary Material Assigned.

Function(s):
Concert Hall, Social Club

Related Website(s):

Overview of Harlem Drag Ball Scene | Accessed : March 11, 2022

Overview of Ballroom Scene from 19th Century to Vogueing | Accessed : March 11, 2022

Overview of Early 20th Century drag balls | Accessed : March 11, 2022

Significant Date(s):
20th Century, 1920-1929, 1930-1939

Additional Information:
The popularized, mainstream drag performances and competitions of today began in the form of annual cross-dressing balls over one hundred years ago in Manhattan.

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