#341 - Drag Queen 1 magazine ebook Neptune
Drag Queen, Number 1
Neptune Productions
Neptune, New Jersey
c. 1971
a page-by-page digital replica
A welcome paragraph on page 3 of Drag Queen, Number 1, announces that the staff has migrated from Female Impersonator magazine, which was published by Health Knowledge. Although not specifically mentioned, this probably means that Pudgy Roberts, author of The Female Impersonator's Handbook, edited Drag Queen and may also have been its publisher. He writes, “Female Impersonation is an Art that has no boundaries and no equal. It is our hope to continue to serve you with an outlet to exchange new vistas in this exciting field!”
The cover of the magazine boasts about balls and three photo-essays describe them. Festive party-goers glam it up in feathers, furs, wigs and glittery frocks. We peek in at Phil Black's Valentine Ball, Lee Brewster's Ball, and the Coit Annual Debutante Ball, San Francisco's yearly coming out party.
Pictures introduce us to two talented impersonators. We see Jessie St. John transform from male to female, applying make-up, wig and a stripper's gown. Vicki Starr shows off the assets that made her a popular topless dancer in Pierre's of North Beach.
One article that piques nostalgia shows publicity stills from movies of the time. Myra Breckenridge, The Boys in the Band, The Christine Jorgenson Story, and Cotton Comes to Harlem addressed themes that were only oblique references in feature films before 1970.
An essay offers advice for using make-up effectively. Many letters to the editor show a snapshot of the writer in drag. Some readers make reference to Female Impersonator magazine. A few editor replies to letters suggest finding answers in The Female Impersonator's Handbook.
The full-sized digital replica shows every page (many in color) of the original magazine, including advertising and a list of night clubs from coast-to-coast.
Photographs were brightened and specks re-touched.
All new scans.
The ebook iteration of Drag Queen, Number 1, provides a viewing and reading experience clearly superior to the conscientiously-assembled magaszine.
One digital replica ebook, delivered by download from your 30th Street Graphics account.