By Connell O'Donovan

Drag, defined here as men and women cross-dressing for public entertainment, began in Utah in 1871. From then until 1931, at least 700 men, some in national but most as part of local acts, performed on Utah stages. About a dozen women, all part of national touring acts, also performed in so-called “breeches roles” starting in 1872.

This interactive story map walks you through prominent performers of that time period in Utah.