Timeline

1925 – 1950 Gladys Bentley

2023-08-28T20:47:05+00:00

Years active
1923 – 1952

Stage Name(s)
Gladys Bentley, Bobbie Minton, Fatso Bentley

Category
“Bulldagger”, Butch

Country of Origin
USA

Birth – Death
1907 – 1960

Bio

Gladys Bentley was an inspiration to many as a prolific African-American, out and proud lesbian, and bawdy gender bending entertainer during the 1920’s Harlem Renaissance. She was a robust 250 pound woman with a deep, growly voice making […]

1925 – 1950 Gladys Bentley2023-08-28T20:47:05+00:00

1909 – 1914 Aida Overton Walker

2022-02-25T05:47:55+00:00

Years active
1909 – 1914

Stage Name(s)
Aida Overton Walker

Category
Male Impersonator

Country of Origin
USA

Birth – Death
1880 – 1914

Bio

Aida Overton Walker was an immensely successful African-American actress, singer, dancer, choreographer, and male impersonator on the vaudeville circuit performing for black and white audiences which was rare for the time. In 1909, out of necessity, Aida became a male […]

1909 – 1914 Aida Overton Walker2022-02-25T05:47:55+00:00

1890 – 1906 Florence Hines

2020-02-25T17:08:33+00:00

Years active
1890 – 1906

Stage Name(s)
Florence Hines

Category
Male Impersonator

Country of Origin
USA

Birth – Death
unknown – 1924

Bio

Despite the dearth of personal biographical details, there is enough ample evidence to show that African American Florence Hines had a flourishing career as a male impersonator on the vaudeville stage beginning circa 1890 with Sam T. Jack’s production, The Creole […]

1890 – 1906 Florence Hines2020-02-25T17:08:33+00:00

1889 – 1910 Gowongo Mohawk

2020-08-19T03:47:42+00:00

Years active
1889 – 1910

Stage Name(s)
Gowongo Mohawk, Go-Won-Go

Category
Male Impersonator

Country of Origin
USA

Birth – Death
1860 – 1924

Bio
Gowongo Mohawk (August 11, 1860 – February 7, 1924) was one of the first American Indian actors to perform on the American stage and the first known American Indian male impersonator. She wrote, […]

1889 – 1910 Gowongo Mohawk2020-08-19T03:47:42+00:00
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