Cookie Woolner is a cultural historian of race, gender, and sexuality in the modern U.S. She is an Associate Professor in the History department at the University of Memphis. Her book, “The Famous Lady Lovers:” African American Women and Same-Sex Desire Before Stonewall from UNC Press, explores the lives of of Black women who loved women in the Interwar era.
Photo by: Lucy Garrett
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Aug. 21, 2023
Gladys Bentley
One of the biggest stars in Prohibition Age New York was blues singer Gladys Bentley, who caused a stir in Harlem, wearing a top hat and tails, flirting with women in the audience, and singing raunchy lyrics. Despite Bentley’s phenomenal talent, the repeal of Prohibition and the end of the jazz age led to waning interest in the type of bawdy performance for which she was known. Despite attempts to change with the times, Bentley was never again able to reach the level of fame she had once enjoyed...
Guest: Cookie Woolner