History of Milwaukee Drag: Seven Generations of Glamour

For over a century, drag has been an unstoppable force in Milwaukee nightlife. On June 7, 1884, The Only Leon brought the fine art of female impersonation to the Grand Opera Hall, launching a proud local legacy that continues today at This Is It, La Cage, Hamburger Mary's, D.I.X. and innumerable other venues.

Historians Michail Takach and BJ Daniels recognize that today's LGBTQ liberties were born from the strength, resilience, and resistance of yesterday...