History Happens: Reliving the 1970s ... in Drag

October-November 2015

In this issue...

Reigning Queens

From the Board Chair

Upcoming Events

Visit Us

Reigning Queens

New Photography Show to Spotlight

San Francisco's Wild 1970s Drag Balls
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A new exhibition at the GLBT History Museum, "Reigning Queens: The Lost Photos of Roz Joseph," presents evocative photographs of San Francisco's epic drag and costume balls of the mid-1970s. The color images were created by noted photographer Roz Joseph, whose drag-queen series was rediscovered when she donated the work to the GLBT Historical Society. The vintage prints will be on display starting October 23.

"Roz Joseph documented a world of self-styled baronesses in diamond tiaras, elaborate 'royal' coronations and gender-bending performance," notes curator Joey Plaster. "Her photos show how gay men deployed theater and fantasy to make very real contributions to San Francisco's gay community. We're excited to bring these long-lost images back into public view almost four decades after they were made."

A resident of San Francisco for 45 years, Roz Joseph was born in the Bronx in 1926 and studied photography in New York City. In the 1960s, she shot images in Europe and North Africa. In 1970, she moved to San Francisco, where she began photographing city scenes. In 1991, Chronicle Books published a volume of her work, Details: The Architect's Art. Her prints have been exhibited at the San Francisco Art Institute, the California Museum of Photography and Paradox Gallery.

The curator of "Reigning Queens," Joey Plaster, is a doctoral candidate in American Studies at Yale University. He formerly headed the oral history program at the GLBT Historical Society and currently serves on its board of directors.

Many of the drag queens Joseph photographed were associated with an organization called the Imperial Court, which annually elects a drag empress who raises funds for local charities. Founded in San Francisco in 1965 and now established in cities around the U.S. and in several other countries, the Imperial Court system is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year.

"Reigning Queens" will be on display Oct. 23, 2015, through February 2016 at the GLBT History Museum at 4127 18th St. in San Francisco. An opening reception featuring remarks by the curator and light refreshments is set for Friday, October 23, 7:00-9:00 p.m.; suggested donation: $10.

From the Board Chair

Launching the Search for a

Permanent Executive Director

by Brian Turner

I'm happy to announce that the GLBT Historical Society Board of Directors has voted to initiate the search for a permanent executive director for the organization. Our supporters, volunteers, board and community have rallied in a way that effectively positions the society to attract a talented executive director.

The Board of Directors has formed a search committee which will finalize the job description, reach out to community stakeholders, and interview candidates. I will join our staff in conducting day-to-day operations of the Historical Society until a new executive director is hired.

I am also pleased to report that Daryl Carr, who assumed the role of acting executive director in May 2015, has rejoined the board. Daryl recently began a new position at the San Francisco Art Institute.

Over the past few months, the Board of Directors has added five new members, engaged our supporters, opened a new exhibition, created an exhibition schedule through mid-2017, planned several fundraising events, and managed the search for a new space for our archives. In addition, we have launched our redesigned website thanks to multimedia consultant John Raines.

As always, the board is extremely grateful for the support of our members and the community. With your ongoing involvement, we will continue the great work of the Historical Society in preserving and showcasing the diverse stories of the GLBT past.

Brian Turner is chair of the Board of Directors of the GLBT Historical Society.

Upcoming Events

Closing Party

Bulldog Baths Murals: A Last Look

Tuesday, October 6
7:00-9:00 p.m.
The GLBT History Museum

For the past four months, the museum has exhibited rarely seen homoerotic murals that artist M. Brook Jones created for San Francisco's Bulldog Baths in 1979. With a new exhibition in the works, a party will mark the closing of the murals show. Learn more about this spectacular art. Drinks and light refreshments. Suggested donation: $10. Follow the conversation for this event on Facebook.

Creating Resources

California Pride: Mapping LGBTQ Histories

Thursday, October 15
7:00-8:30 p.m.
White Horse Bar, 6551 Telegraph Ave., Oakland

Join the Oakland Heritage Alliance at the historic White Horse Bar to learn about California Pride: Mapping LGBTQ Histories, an online, crowd-sourced archive of memories, stories and images related to sites associated with LGBT life. Historian Donna Graves will present an overview and show attendees how to "pin" LGBTQ sites to the California Pride map. Cosponsored by the GLBT Historical Society. Purchase tickets here.

Exhibition Opening

Reigning Queens: The Lost Photos of Roz Joseph

Friday, October 23
7:00-9:00 p.m.
The GLBT History Museum

Relive the wild drag balls of 1970s San Francisco through a treasure trove of recently discovered images by photographer Roz Joseph. Join a diverse cross-section of the city's arts, nightlife and drag scenes in celebrating these wonderful photos with music, food, drinks and comments from curator Joey Plaster. Friday, October 23, 7:00-9:00 p.m. Suggested donation: $10. Follow the conversation for this event on Facebook.

Author Talk

Marie Equi: Radical Politics & Outlaw Passions

Wednesday, November 4
7:00-9:00 p.m.
The GLBT History Museum

Local author Michael Helquist presents his acclaimed new biography of Marie Equi (1872-1952), a pioneering and controversial physician, radical labor organizer, feminist, birth-control proponent and woman-loving woman. Learn more about Equi, the biographer and the book at the publisher's website. Suggested donation: $5.00.