The Queens of Welfare Island: Episode 2: Let’s All Be Fairies

In 1925 Gene Mosely was sent to the men’s penitentiary Fag Ward on a “masquerade” charge. Despite the risks of cross-dressing, drag balls flourished and female impersonators took NYC’s nightlife by storm, while the mainstream visibility of “fairies” became a cultural phenomenon: the Pansy Craze. Visit our episode webpage for additional resources and a transcript of the episode. ———