Queer Wisconsin — A living history of LGBTQ+ life in Wisconsin

A living history of LGBTQ+ life in Wisconsin

Person

Francis Leon(born Francis Patrick Glassey) aka 'The Famous Leon'aka 'The Only Leon'

Milwaukee

Biography

Francis Leon (born Francis Patrick Glassey in 1844) was billed as "The Leon" or "The Only Leon." On June 7, 1884, he performed what is believed to be the first "drag" show in Milwaukee history, at Nunnemacher's Grand Opera Hall in City Hall Square.

Images

Photo in white dress / (date unknown) / from Harvard Theatre Collection / Wisconsin LGBTQ History Project
Photo in black dress / (date unknown) / from Harvard Theatre Collection / Wisconsin LGBTQ History Project