I am joined by the majestic and magnificent Manly Mannington! Manly Mannington is a Drag King and the producer of House Of Mannington. They are also have a residency with Brizzle Boyz and they are House Of Allure's 2019 Burlesque Bombshell winner.  Today we talk about being a drag king  and representation in the performing scene and how you don't have to fit into a box to explore masculinity and femininity. You can find me on instagram @locqueslaroux and Manly Mannington @manly_mannington

Masculinity 101: Gladys Bentley was an inspiration to many as a prolific  African-American, out and proud lesbian, and bawdy gender bending  entertainer during the 1920’s Harlem Renaissance. Audiences couldn’t get enough of her non-apologetic performances and she went on to become one of the most well documented queer black  entertainers to come from the early part of the 20th century.  This is perhaps because she pushed the envelope on gender, class and  race through her performances and how she chose to live her life on her terms.

Source: https://dragkinghistory.com/1925-1950-gladys-bentley/

Trigger Warning: Mention of sexual harrassment and being questioned about gender in heavy detail. 

Supported using public funding by Arts Council England