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HISTORY OF OKC PRIDE
Emergence and evolution of the gay and bisexual male subculture in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, 1889-2005
This dissertation on ShareOK.org examines the historical development of the gay and bisexual male subculture in Oklahoma City from 1889 to 2005. It employs various primary sources, including newspapers, sodomy court records, interviews, and census data, to reconstruct the social and sexual lives of this community. The research reveals that a diverse gay and bisexual subculture existed with roots pre-dating World War II, but its open operation was curtailed in the late 1950s due to factors like the end of state-mandated prohibition and the election of a homophobic county attorney. Despite some political activism in the 1970s and 1980s, recent events, including Oklahoma's bans on same-sex marriage and adoptions, have challenged the community's ability to address macro-level issues, reflecting a shift from earlier openness.
This article on OUDaily.com delves into the rich history of Oklahoma's 2SLGBTQ+ community, shedding light on its past, present, and future. The piece explores the pre-1950s era when laws regulating queer citizens were almost nonexistent in the state, and how queer culture evolved both in Oklahoma and nationally, including drag balls and the rise of gay and lesbian bars during the 1920 prohibition era. It also touches on the challenges faced by the community during this time. To discover the full historical narrative and its significance to the queer community and Oklahoma as a whole, read the article on OUDaily.com.
How Curious: What’s The History Of Oklahoma City’s Drag Shows?
This KGOU.org article explores the rich history of Oklahoma City's drag scene, investigating whether it was once one of the most renowned in the country. The article traces the roots of drag performances in the city as far back as 1908, featuring famous female impersonators and drag shows in various venues, some of which were not explicitly LGBTQ-focused. It also delves into the challenges and threats that LGBTQ clubs and patrons faced in the past, including police harassment and raids. The article also addresses a rumor about celebrities like Frank Sinatra and Johnny Carson visiting Oklahoma City for drag shows, though it remains challenging to confirm this claim. For a detailed exploration of Oklahoma City's drag scene's history and its connections to famous figures, read the full article on KGOU.org.