Patricia Aldridge, Toronto, June 1993.
First Edition First Printing Copyright (c) 1993 by Take A Walk On The Wildside, T.M. Printed in Canada
Reproduction or publication of the content in any manner, without express written permission of the publisher, is prohibited. All photographs in this book taken by Patricia Aldridge. Canadian Cataloging in Publication Data
Aldridge, Patricia, 1955-Queens of `93
Patricia Aldridge, interviewer and photographer. ISBN 0-9697191-0-8
1. Female impersonators - Ontario - Toronto - Interviews. 2. Female impersonators - Ontario-Toronto - Portraits. I. Title
The Queens of `93 - What makes a queen a queen? For every similarity there is a difference, but one characteristic remains the same, once a queen, always a queen. The influence to be a drag queen can come from an older sister, a friend or even the television set. A baby blanket draped like a gown, a pair of mom's sling back pumps, or a sequin dress bought at Goodwill might mark that first brave effort to transcend the sexuality of the appearance. Connected to this display of femininity is a performance; dancing, singing, acting as in a play or being a model in a fashion show. Validating the activity of crossdressing by entertaining an audience is the difference between being a crossdresser and a drag queen. Before, during and after the show, many drag queens will socialize while still in drag, enjoying their femme personas. The extra attention, a personality change and the chance to be someone else seduce men into the carefree drag lifestyle. Once there they freely admit they're hooked. When a novice expresses interest in joining the lifestyle, they are welcomed and encouraged. An experienced professional female impersonator will take the talented novice under her wing and become their drag mother by teaching them the secrets to being a fabulous female impersonator. A drag mother can have one or many drag children. She helps with their makeup, costumes, dance instruction and lip synching to successfully present her protégé to the drag world. The impact this novice has on the drag scene will reflect back on her, so her efforts will not be wasted. I salute all the female impersonators in the world, but I begin with those in Toronto. I have interviewed each and every one, taken her picture, and now I present them here for you. Educate yourself and enjoy this photo summary of some of the most beautiful women in Toronto, who aren't really women at all.
Patricia Aldridge presents this book, retaining copyright, on the web to honour these people, her friends, some dead, some alive, all wonderful friends who influenced Paddy to open Wildside.
Note:
The photographs are aged by me as a special effect. I wish to retain the originals as originals in case I prepare an art or theater show with my original photographs in colour.
The old fashioned style slide show is also remeniscent of the computer programs available at the time in 1993. |