FLAMING FAGGOTS or FAIRIES (jan 1, 1920 – jan 1, 1950)
Description:
"The abnormality (or "queerness") of the "fairy," that is, was defined as much by his "womanlike" character or "effeminacy" as his solicitation of male sexual partners; the "man" who responded to his solicitations--no matter how often--was not considered abnormal, a "homosexual," so long as he abided by masculine gender conventions" (Chauncey, Gay New York, 13).
"The flamboyant style adopted by "flaming faggots" or "fairies," as well as its consistency with outsiders' stereotypes, made them highly visible figures on the streets of New York and the predominant image of all queers in the straight mind" (Chauncey, Gay New York, 15).
Added to timeline:
Sexual Terminology Timeline
excerpts pulled from:
Canaday, Margot. The Straight State: ...
Date:
