47: Out & About pt.2: Swann Dive

Apr 3, 2024

From drag history in Ancient Greece to America's first drag queen, William Dorsey Swann, this podcast explores the evolution of drag culture, drag balls in Harlem, and the impact of drag icons like Divine. Delving into the rich history of drag performances, LGBTQ advocacy, and societal attitudes towards gender norms, this episode celebrates the legacy of figures like Swann in LGBTQ history.

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Intro

00:00 • 2min

Fun-filled Night Out and Unexpected Revelations

01:56 • 14min

Aging, Photoshoots, and Kate Middleton TikTok

15:53 • 6min

Discussion on Photoshop, Teaching Research Skills, and Dragon Ball Legends Ad

21:39 • 2min

Exploring Queer Themes and Drag Icons

23:12 • 11min

Exploring the Rich History of Drag Performances

34:18 • 14min

Emancipation Proclamations, William Dorsey Swan, and LGBTQ Community in Washington DC

48:03 • 7min

Exploring the history of William Dorsey Swan and drag balls

55:08 • 2min

Historical Role of the YMCA and Drag Culture

56:54 • 18min

Historical Incidents and LGBTQ Advocacy

01:15:20 • 12min

Exploring Historical LGBTQ Perspectives and Drag Culture

01:27:00 • 14min

Honoring William Dorsey Swan and His Legacy

01:41:16 • 7min

Reflections on Friendship Dynamics and Communication Challenges

01:47:57 • 2min

Discussion on TikTok Ban and Misconceptions

01:49:35 • 2min

Drag is art, drag is exciting, drag is… old? This week, Maia explores the history of drag. From drag in Ancient Greece and Rome and male only casts, to more contemporary artist like the work of Julian Eltinge. Maia shares the life of William Dorsey Swann, who was America’s first drag queen, or at least one of them. Taking us to the Drag Balls of Harlem during the Harlem Renaissance and the extravagant homes of DC that first held drag gatherings. Swann’s life proves that drag has history in America. Take a swan dive in the life of “William Dorsey Swann”!

Meet the queen who started it all—corset, courage, and all. In this episode, Grant and Maia dive into the incredible true story of William Dorsey Swann, a formerly enslaved man who threw fierce drag balls in 1880s Washington, DC—decades before Stonewall and centuries before RuPaul. Swann didn’t just sashay through history; he kicked down doors, defied police raids, and claimed space for Black queer joy at a time when both his race and gender expression were criminalized. From glitter and grit to protest and pride, this episode uncovers how Swann’s radical legacy echoes through today’s culture wars, including a powerful tribute during the George Floyd protests on the very street that now bears his name. If you love history served with sass, struggle, and seriously good storytelling—this one’s for you.

00:00:00 Catch-Up

00:22:21 Swann Dive

00:39:40 Defining Drag

00:47:20 Forgotten History Uncovered

01:00:00 Queens of Freedom

01:03:30 "Cake Walk"

01:22:36 Activism’s Legal Legacy

01:41:00 Swann Street Redemption

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