“A Brief History of Drag,” an unprecedented photographic exhibition chronicling the Los Angeles and West Hollywood drag scenes from the late 1800s through the present, opens at West Hollywood Library on Saturday, March 5. There is an opening reception from 7-9PM. In addition to historic photos, A Brief History of Drag will present work by photographer Austin Young, and a “Drag Wall,” where community members can post photos, programs, and other ephemera to share with viewers (for those interested in sending digital images in advance please contact: artprograms@lalgbtcenter.org). The reception will also feature DJ Ambrosia Salad and guest performers. Admission is free, RSVP is required: dragangeles.eventbrite.com.
A Brief History of Drag is a collaboration between the City of West Hollywood (through WeHo Arts and One City One Pride LGBTQ Arts Festival), Los Angeles LGBT Center’s Advocate & Gochis Galleries, and CAP UCLA with assistance from the ONE National Gay & Lesbian Archives. The exhibition is curated by Katie Poltz and Jessica-Jean Fowler Center (both from Los Angeles LGBT Center), and David John Attyah (Glendale Community College).
Just prior to the opening, Austin Young will shoot a group photo of drag artists that is anticipated to make history as the largest—and of course most fabulous—such assembly ever captured on film. Drag artists of today and yesterday, as well as drag enthusiasts, are invited to join in for this once-in-a-lifetime portrait session, in drag. Advance online registration is required via this link: draginla.eventbrite.com. The shoot will take place at 7PM sharp (participants must arrive early).
Austin Young’s resulting photo will be then be featured in A Brief History of Drag for the duration of the show, which runs through June 30.
A Brief History of Drag is part of DRAG ANGELES: A Celebration of Los Angeles and West Hollywood Drag Creativity, History and Art.—a series of events and exhibitions for the City of West Hollywood’s annual One City One Pride Festival. For more information and details on the March 5 opening: http://www.weho.org/residents/drag-angeles-one-city-one-pride
The West Hollywood Library is located 625 North San Vicente Boulevard, West Hollywood, CA 90069. Free validated parking is available in the five-story parking structure, located just behind the library, accessible from El Tovar Place.
1930s composite photo from “A History of Drag”
Photo credit: top right: “Raja” by Austin Young
