[LGBTQ+ History] Female Mimics Magazine Archive Documenting Trans Women and Drag Performance Before and After Stonewall, 1965–1973

Female Mimics

Archive

Female Mimics magazine archive (1965–1973) documents the circulation of transgender and drag representation in American print culture across the pre- and post-Stonewall period, establishing a record of how female impersonation, trans identity, and queer performance were presented to a widening readership. Produced by multiple editorial teams over nearly a decade, these issues provide contemporaneous evidence of shifting visibility for gender nonconforming individuals, moving from nightclub-based performance culture into commercially distributed adult periodicals. The archive supports research into transgender history, mid-20th century drag performance, and the development of queer media networks prior to and following the Stonewall uprising.

Archive comprises three issues of Female Mimics and related title variants, published between 1965 and 1973 in New York and Wilmington. Formats include illustrated magazine issues with photographic spreads, performer profiles, short fiction, and editorial features.
[1] Female Mimics. Vol. 1, No. 5. New York: Health Knowledge, Spring 1965. Contents include “Puerto Rican Peach” profiling Emilio Tellez; “Stag Turned Doe” featuring Bambi, a trans woman performer active in European cabaret; “Gorgeous Guys” on the Jewel Box Revue, noted as the first racially integrated drag revue in the United States; and “Scintillating Cinema,” addressing impersonation in film.
[2] Female Mimics. No. 2. Wilmington: Eros Publishing Co., Spring 1971. Combines erotic and documentary material, including “Ebony Temptress,” a photographic feature of a Black femme performer; “The Tough Transvestite,” a fictional narrative engaging gender identity; and “Film Stars in Drag.” Profiles include Robin Roberts, Dayzee Dee, and Dale Roberts, alongside coverage of events such as the “Pre-Thanksgiving Costume Ball” and “Queens in Drag.”
[3] Pudgy Roberts Presents: The Great Female Mimics. Vol. 1, No. 1. New York: Mark Lithographers, January 1973. Edited by Pudgy Roberts, includes “Julian Eltinge Inspired His Career” on Gene Chandler, linking vaudeville-era impersonation to contemporary performers, and “Call Him Mr. International” on Ricky Renee. Additional featured performers include Jene Chandler, Arthur Blake, and Gary Webb, with extensive photographic spreads emphasizing drag as performance art.

Published during a period marked by expanding public visibility of queer communities and increasing commercialization of sexual and gender nonconformity, these magazines document the transition from localized stage performance to print-based circulation of drag and trans imagery. The 1965 issue predates organized gay liberation movements, while the 1971 and 1973 issues align with broader transformations following Stonewall, including the emergence of national queer media and nightlife networks. Coverage of performers of color and internationally recognized figures situates drag within both racial and transnational contexts, while references to earlier figures such as Julian Eltinge establish continuity with prewar traditions of female impersonation. Minor edge wear and spine wear across all issues; one issue with loss to upper portion of front wrapper affecting title; interiors generally intact. Overall good to very good condition. Cohesive grouping documenting early intersections of transgender identity, performance culture, and commercial print media in the United States.

Item #22424

Price: $885.00