In 1925 Gene Mosely was sent to the men’s penitentiary Fag Ward on a “masquerade” charge. Despite the risks of cross-dressing, drag balls flourished and female impersonators took NYC’s nightlife by storm, while the mainstream visibility of “fairies” became a cultural phenomenon: the Pansy Craze.
Visit our <a href="https://makinggayhistory.org/podcast/the-queens-of-welfare-island-episode-two-lets-all-be-fairies/">episode webpage</a> for additional resources and a transcript of the episode.
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In 1925 Gene Mosely was sent to the men’s penitentiary Fag Ward on a “masquerade” charge. Despite the risks of cross-dressing, drag balls flourished and female impersonators took NYC’s nightlife by storm, while the mainstream visibility of “fairies” became a cultural phenomenon: the Pansy Craze.

Visit our episode webpage for additional resources and a transcript of the episode.

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In 1925 Gene Mosely was sent to the men’s penitentiary Fag Ward on a “masquerade” charge. Despite the risks of cross-dressing, drag balls flourished and female impersonators took NYC’s nightlife by storm, while the mainstream visibility of “fairies” became a cultural phenomenon: the Pansy Craze.

The Queens of Welfare Island: Episode 2: Let’s All Be Fairies

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