Who is Miss P? Conversations about the historical significance of local drag and Parliament House at the Footlight Theatre (Part 1)

By Alexis Rodriguez

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

​     The colorful crowd, loud music, the open declaration of love and drag performers; yes, it’s Pride. The month of pride has played an important part in both demonstrating the presence of LGBTQ communities in the United States, and the power in collective resistance through innumerable parades that engulf the streets. From the Stonewall riots and the Pulse nightclub massacre to the recent lawsuit against the Trump administration by a coalition of LGBTQ groups towards the stripping of medical protection for the trans community; it would seem that our reality is a political war zone. Regardless of the attempts made against the community, our culture continues to dance and celebrate life, especially with its drag performances. What’s more rebellious than a man in “women’s clothing”?
     Most of our history has remained predominately within the scope of the club and bar scene. In several ways it has been, as Michael Wanzie would suggest, a haven where you could truly be yourself.[1] Spaces within Central Florida like Southern Nights, Parliament House, Sadie’s, Faces, Bradley’s and countless others that have come and gone have permitted everyone from all walks of life to escape reality for a just moment and enjoy a few drinks, music and drag shows.

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