Exploring the 1920s, this overview highlights the LGBTQIA community's cultural expression amidst societal challenges. It delves into the nightlife, jazz influences, and legal discrimination faced by LGBTQIA individuals. Notable figures like Solita Solano and the impact of works such as 'The Captive' are discussed, reflecting the era's complex cultural landscape.
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Mainstream culture in the 1920s largely failed to recognize or accept non-heteronormative identities
Moral Clauses
Moral clauses in movie contracts enforced a public image of traditional morality for entertainers
Lavender Marriages
Lavender marriages, or marriages of convenience, were used by entertainers to mask their true sexual orientation
Criminalization of Same-Sex Relationships
Same-sex relationships were criminalized by laws in place during the 1920s
Discrimination and Marginalization
LGBTQIA individuals faced discrimination and marginalization in the legal system, particularly in the military and government investigations
The Harlem Renaissance provided spaces of relative freedom and self-expression for LGBTQIA individuals during the 1920s
Drag Balls, also known as Masquerade Balls, were popular events for LGBTQIA individuals to express their identities openly
The Jazz Age saw an intersection between the jazz community and LGBTQIA individuals, creating a sense of community and support for non-conventional expression
Many LGBTQIA artists and writers sought more liberal environments, such as Paris, which influenced the creation of LGBTQIA literature and plays
Solita Solano
Solita Solano, a notable LGBTQIA literary figure, used a pen name to better reflect her identity and had a romantic relationship with fellow writer Janet Flanner
Édouard Bourdet
Édouard Bourdet's play "The Captive" explored the emotional struggles of LGBTQIA individuals and the societal pressure to conform to heterosexual norms
Obscenity Laws
Obscenity laws were frequently used to suppress LGBTQIA expression in public events and artistic performances during the 1920s