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LGBTQ+ and Women’s Theatre history Timeline- Jozlyn N.
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Tennessee Williams
Tennessee Williams was one of the first openly gay playwrights in history, even named “The Man who Queered Broadway” (Als). His plays tend to focus on the unfulfilled desires and societal rejections queer people face, reflecting his own experience as a gay man. His works, including “The Glass Menagerie” and “A Streetcar Named Desire” continue to influence queer theatrics to this day. -
Paul Lynde
Paul Lynde was a well known American actor known for his distinct voice and flamboyant personality. While never publicly acknowledging his queerness in his lifetime, it has been remarked that “He was probably the first gay person—whether he was using the word or not—in a lot of people’s homes across America” (Hibberd). Lynde’s celebrated acts of challenging societal norms in ways nobody had ever done before can be considered monumental in the realms of queer entertainment. -
Harold Prince
Harold Prince was a well known American theatre producer and director. According to Paul Hagen “As far as we know, Hal Prince was not gay, But in the course of his extraordinary career in theater, he changed the lives of countless members of the the LGBTQ community” (Hagen). Prince may not have been queer himself, but he helped create a safe space in society for queer people to be heard and celebrated in many of the works he directed. -
Lorraine Hansberry
Lorraine Hansberry, the author of “A Raisin in the Sun” is best known for her monumental effects on racial and women’s equality in theatre. Through her recovered documents we have learned about her own struggles and experiences with lesbianism. Hansberry was a huge advocate for LGBTQ rights and women’s rights in such a monumental way. Despite the fact that “Hansberry didn’t officially come out until nearly a half-century after her death.” (Marcus) her impact on queer theatre is unforgettable. -
Alvin Ailey
Alvin Ailey was an iconic American dancer and choreographer. Many of his interpretive works focused on racial and gender equality. He was one of the first openly gay artists in his field. Ailey’s commitment to making a space for people of all kinds to safely practice their art is remarkable in musical theatrical history. It is said that “his choreographic stylings was the most notable public exploration of what life was truly like for the marginalized citizens of America.” (Queering History). -
The Children’s Hour
“The Children’s Hour” by Lillian Hellman is one of the first plays to ever address queer relationships. The play centers around two female school teachers who have been rumored to be in a romantic relationship and the judgment that unravels their lives due to this rumor. Despite being banned in multiple states “The play was a critical and commercial hit, running for 691 performances.” (History Matters). This play is thought to be one of the most influential queer plays in history. -
The Boys In The Band
Mark Crowley’s first play “The Boys in the Band” is one of the most influential queer plays in history. It’s one of the first plays to openly show the context of gay relationships. It opened in 1968 and was performed over a thousand times before being adapted into a very successful movie. The play is centered around a birthday party that leads to the exploration of male sexuality. This play is “The first truly honest portrayal of the lives of contemporary homosexuals.” (Encyclopedia.com). -
The Women’s Theatre Group
The Women’s Theater Group was founded in 1979 and was part of a bigger movement regarding theatrical inclusivity. Its establishment challenged the male dominance in the field and brought awareness to the lack of diverse representation in the art. This groups policy is “To create and tour consciousness-raising, women centred shows about gender roles, sexuality, socialism, and racial inequality” (Engel).This group paved the way for this movement to continue forward to where it is today. -
The Vagina Monologues
“The Vagina Monologues” written by Eve Ensler is widely known as a heavily influential piece in feminist performance. The play is composed of monologues from women in society, the piece made a space for women’s voices to be heard and celebrated and considered. It explores themes around sexuality, race equality, and the fluidity of desire. This play is said to have offered the world “a piece of art like nothing it had seen before.” (V-day). -
Everybody’s Talking About Jamie
“Everybody’s Talking about Jamie” is a musical centered around a boy named Jamie New who dreams of becoming a drag queen. The musical follows his journey as he begins to pursue this desire. This play has empowered our queer youth to be themselves without fear of judgement. According to Bmore Art “There’s a Reason Everybody’s Talking about Jamie” (Copney).