Photograph: "Vaughn Gretchen"

Photograph: "Vaughn Gretchen"

Willie H. King Jr or known on stage as Vaughn Gretchen is a female impersonator and entertainer in Central Florida since the 1980's. He first encountered drag at Parliament House through talented performers such as Heavy Duty and Miss P. King Jr states in an interview for the Watermark of the difficulty of drag during the 1980's due to laws against men presenting themselves as female in any context. If we had to travel, we had to go to the club very early and get dressed inside. When we were done, we had to get out early and make sure we were changed and everything before we hit the parking lot. Vaughn also faced discrimination in the early days as when booked for performances due to her name, they were shocked it was a black female impersonator and would at times outright reject her. Although King Jr. is a primary caregiver for his elderly parents and works full time as a catering professional, he at times is able to perform and reminds the audience at Parliament House that disco never died.

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Drag Album

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Rodriguez, Alexis

Images may be used for educational purposes only.
Image credit: Image courtesy of LGBTQ History Museum of Central Florida.
For all other purposes please email: floridalgbtqmuseum@gmail.com

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Photograph

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7/8/2020

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LGBTQ History Museum of Central Florida