EP 138. The Pansy Craze An Unprecedented Era Of Queer Acceptance In The 1920s

They dazzled onstage in feathers and pearls—then vanished under police raids and moral panic.

For a brief, glittering moment, drag queens were the toast of Prohibition-era nightlife… until they became public enemy number one.

In the late 1920s and early 1930s, America’s biggest cities erupted in what came to be known as the Pansy Craze—a cultural explosion where openly queer performers headlined clubs, captivated audiences, and redefined gender expression under the glare of the spotlight. But behind the applause lurked danger. As the nation’s tolerance gave way to censorship and crackdowns, the very performers who once symbolized freedom were driven back into the shadows. In this episode, we explore the rise and fall of this forgotten chapter in queer history—and what it reveals about the cost of visibility.

If you're craving a queer history podcast that unearths lost legacies and buried truths, Beers With Queers delivers stories that are bold, emotional, and overdue.

Hosted by Jordi and Brad, Beers With Queers brings chilling crimes, queer stories, and twisted justice to light—all with a cold one in hand.

Press play, grab a drink, and join us as we uncover the darkest corners of LGBTQ+ history.

Welcome to Beers With Queers, the true crime podcast where we dive into the darkest, most twisted cases and involving the LGBTQ+ community and always with a queer perspective. Hosted by Jordi and Brad, we cover everything from notorious serial killers to unsolved mysteries, cults, and bizarre crimes.
Join us for in, depth storytelling, chilling details, queer history and really gay commentary. So, whether you're here for the crimes, the beers, or the queers, you're in the right place. So, grab a drink, get cozy, and let’s talk true crime!
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