Browse Items (103 total)

1987- Notorious gay bar known for it's European vibe and drag performances, in service for over 3 decades

1982-open

1945- not specifically known as a place of drag performance, but the site of many community gatherings in support of LGBTQ+ matters (website somewhat backs this). Known for Joan Jett Blakk's announcment for president candidacy

Donniker’s Minstrel’s theater where they performed “Africanized opera bouffe) of minstrel and drag

Ella Wesner, male impersonator, performed here; Chicago Whispers, also black face performed here

View of guests attending Queen of Finnie's Annual Masquerade Ball at the Trianon Ballroom, 6201 South Cottage Grove Avenue, Chicago. Guests in attendance included donor James C. Darby and members of Chicago's gay community; 1958

View of guests attending Queen of Finnie's Annual Masquerade Ball at the Trianon Ballroom, 6201 South Cottage Grove Avenue, Chicago. Guests in attendance included donor James C. Darby and members of Chicago's gay community.

View of the Jewel Box Revue, a traveling drag review held at Robert's Show Lounge, 6622 South Park Way (now King Drive), Chicago. Guests in attendance included donor James C. Darby and members of Chicago's gay community.

View of the Jewel Box Revue, a traveling drag review held at Robert's Show Lounge, 6622 South Park Way (now King Drive), Chicago. Guests in attendance included donor James C. Darby and members of Chicago's gay community.

View of guests attending the Beaux Arts Ball at the Ambassador West Hotel, 1300 North State Parkway, Chicago, 1958. Guests in attendance included donor James C. Darby and members of Chicago's gay community.

View of guests attending the Beaux Arts Ball at the Ambassador West Hotel, 1300 North State Parkway, Chicago, 1958. Guests in attendance included donor James C. Darby and members of Chicago's gay community.

View of guests attending the Beaux Arts Ball at the Ambassador West Hotel, 1300 North State Parkway, Chicago, 1958. Guests in attendance included donor James C. Darby and members of Chicago's gay community

View of guests attending the Beaux Arts Ball at the Ambassador West Hotel, 1300 North State Parkway, Chicago, 1958. Guests in attendance included donor James C. Darby and members of Chicago's gay community.

View of guests attending the Beaux Arts Ball at the Ambassador West Hotel, 1300 North State Parkway, Chicago, 1958. Guests in attendance included donor James C. Darby and members of Chicago's gay community.

View of guests attending the Beaux Arts Ball at the Ambassador West Hotel, 1300 North State Parkway, Chicago, 1958. Guests in attendance included donor James C. Darby and members of Chicago's gay community.

View of guests attending the Beaux Arts Ball at the Ambassador West Hotel, 1300 North State Parkway, Chicago, 1958. Guests in attendance included donor James C. Darby and members of Chicago's gay community.

View of guests attending Queen of Finnie's Annual Masquerade Ball at the Trianon Ballroom, 6201 South Cottage Grove Avenue, Chicago. Guests in attendance included donor James C. Darby and members of Chicago's gay community.

1980's- known as the oldest Latina drag bar, known to be open in 1981

View of guests attending the Beaux Arts Ball at the Ambassador West Hotel, 1300 North State Parkway, Chicago, 1958. Guests in attendance included donor James C. Darby and members of Chicago's gay community.

View of guests attending a private Halloween party in Chicago. Guests in attendance included donor James C. Darby and members of Chicago's gay community.

View of guests attending a private Halloween party in Chicago. Guests in attendance included donor James C. Darby and members of Chicago's gay community.

View of guests attending a private Halloween party in Chicago. Guests in attendance included donor James C. Darby and members of Chicago's gay community.

View of guests attending a private Halloween party in Chicago. Guests in attendance included donor James C. Darby and members of Chicago's gay community.

View of guests attending a private Halloween party in Chicago. Guests in attendance included donor James C. Darby and members of Chicago's gay community.

View of guests attending a private Halloween party in Chicago. Guests in attendance included donor James C. Darby and members of Chicago's gay community.

View of guests attending a private Halloween party in Chicago. Guests in attendance included donor James C. Darby and members of Chicago's gay community.

View of guests attending Queen of Finnie's Annual Masquerade Ball at the Trianon Ballroom, 6201 South Cottage Grove Avenue, Chicago. Guests in attendance included donor James C. Darby and members of Chicago's gay community.

View of guests attending Queen of Finnie's Annual Masquerade Ball at the Trianon Ballroom, 6201 South Cottage Grove Avenue, Chicago. Guests in attendance included donor James C. Darby and members of Chicago's gay community.