Since the 1980s, Linda Simpson has been a fixture of NYC nightlife as a pioneering drag artist, publisher of the revisionary queer magazine My Comrade, and photographer documenting the influential downtown queer artist community whose legacy continues to reverberate today.
Originally from the Twin Cities, Simpson returns to present her behind-the-scenes photography in the one-woman live slideshow The Drag Explosion at the Walker. Tracing the history of the wild nightlife, queer activism, and colorful artists such as Keith Haring, RuPaul, and Willi Ninja, Simpson’s The Drag Explosion captures a golden era of queer NYC artists that paved the way for today’s drag renaissance.
Following The Drag Explosion, join Linda Simpson for a party featuring performances by local queer artists and drag performances.
Bio
Originally from Minnesota, drag artist Linda Simpson made photos of New York City’s drag scene in the 1980s and ’90s that have been featured in books, magazines, art exhibits, and documentaries, as well her own touring slideshow. Her two books are PAGES (Peradam, 2013) and The Drag Explosion (Domain Books, 2020). She has also worked as a nightlife promoter, journalist, playwright, actress, and game show hostess.
Accessibility
This event will have ASL interpretation.
For information about accessibility or to request additional accommodations for this program, call 612-375-7564 or email access@walkerart.org.
For more information about accessibility at the Walker, visit our Access page.
Before Your Visit
Paid underground parking is available on-site. Enter the ramp on Vineland Place at Bryant Avenue. Biking or taking Metro Transit? Learn more.
Visiting the galleries? Enhance your experience by joining a public tour or with self-guided resources accessible for free on Bloomberg Connects.
Personal photography is permitted throughout the Walker and the Minneapolis Sculpture Garden, but please turn off the flash when visiting the galleries.
To help us promote future events and programs, this event may be photographed or recorded. By attending, you consent to appear in this documentation and its future use by the museum. Please let staff know upon arrival if you prefer not to be photographed.
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