Pansy Parlor

Pansy Parlor is an exploration of gay culture in the 1920's. During the Prohibition era, hidden bars and clubs called speakeasies emerged. Those that were predominantly gay were given the name "Pansy Parlors." Men could be women, women could be men, all races were included and sexuality was fluid. LGBTQ people flocked to these parlors in search of this scandalous camaraderie. Heterosexual people soon caught wind and came to gawk at this strange new nightlife. The Pansy Craze ended around 1936 when tabloids started blaming a series of crimes such as murders, rapes and molestations on homosexuals. This reaction was indicative of general attitudes at that time as homosexuality was still taboo. In rising tensions before World War II, media demonized homosexuality thus forcing the culture back in the closet.

Inspired by "The Pansy Craze" my fiancé and I worked together to create The Pansy Parlor Queer Cabaret! The event had queer artists from comedians, drag kings, drag queens, musicians and dancers.