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Seeking Stories of Queer California: A Hidden Histories Online Exhibit

Defying Expectations

The defiance of gender norms is a powerful act that challenges stereotypes, breaks boundaries, and inspires change. By refusing to conform to limiting beliefs or predefined roles, these people – from drag queens and crossdressers to gender non-conforming and non-binary peoples – open doors for others to embrace their authentic selves and pursue their dreams without fear of judgment or discrimination. Defying expectations requires courage and resilience, but the rewards are immeasurable for the individual and the community.

Collection Information

For more information on the materials in this gallery, see their holding institutions.

Center for the Study of Political Graphics
Drag March

Gerth Archives & Special Collections, California State University Dominguez Hills
Finocchio's: House of the Fabulous Female Impressonators
Having a Drink on Catalina Island

Historical Society of Long Beach
Dorothy Bigmouth's Imperial Crown

Margaret Herrick Library, Academy of Motion Picture Arts & Sciences
Adrian Thompson
Charles Pierce and Virginia Grey
Greta Garbo Impersonator

The Outwords Archive
David Strachan Oral History

Workman & Temple Family Homestead Museum
Men in Drag, early 1900s

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A postcard of Finocchio's, that was a nightclub and bar in San Francisco. It shows five female impersonators standing in the back and five sitting in the front. The steps are a black and white checkered pattern and the background appears to be the stage. From left to right, starting in the back, a performer is wearing a bright pink robe with light pink feather lining, a silver patterned dress, silver shoes, and bright pink long earrings. Next the performer is wearing a pink and gold robe with a high collar, a pink dress, and a pink wig. The center performer is wearing a bright pink dress with a black belt. Next the performer is wearing a black and silver waistcoat with bright pink harem pants. At the end of the back row is a performer in a dark purple robe and dress, with peacock feathers and a peacock feather headdress. The five women in the front row are seated, all in similar 1920s flapper dancer outfits in different colors. From left to right, the first two women are turned slightly to the left and are in light purple outfits with pink feather headbands. In the center, facing forward, she is in a yellow dress with a green feather headband. Next, turned slightly to the right, she is in a dark purple dress and a dark purple feathered headband. Lastly, also turned to the right, she is in an orange dress and has an orange feathered headband.