Glitter and Concrete

A Cultural History of Drag in New York City

By: Elyssa Maxx Goodman

Narrated by: Kevin R. Free, Natalie Duke

*The Millions Most Anticipated List of 2023*
*A Vogue Best LGBTQ+ Book of 2023*

"Deeply researched and featuring a cast of characters who can truly be described as fabulous, Glitter and Concrete is urban history on fire." —Thomas Dyja, author of New York, New York, New York

An intimate, evocative history of drag in New York City exploring its dynamic role, from the Jazz Age to Drag Race, in queer liberation and urban life

From the lush feather boas that adorned early female impersonators to the sequined lip syncs of barroom queens to the drag kings that have us laughing in stitches, drag has played a vital role in the creative life of New York City. But the evolution of drag in the city—as an art form, a community and a mode of liberation—has never before been fully chronicled.

Now, for the first time, journalist and drag historian Elyssa Maxx Goodman unearths the dramatic, provocative untold story of drag in New York City in all its glistening glory. Goodman ducks beneath the velvet ropes of Harlem Renaissance balls, examines drag’s crucial role in the Stonewall Uprising, traces drag's influence on disco and punk rock as well as its unifying power during the AIDS crisis and 9/11, and culminates in the era of RuPaul’s Drag Race.

Informed by meticulous research and archival work, as well as original interviews with high-profile performers, Glitter and Concrete is a significant contribution to queer history and an essential read for anyone curious about the story that echoes beneath the heels.

The thoroughness

A great well researched history. So satisfying! I will probably relisten to it all over again.

Legendary

Truly a wonderful book, the best kind of “text”. This book is educational while also helping the reader dive into a colorful and diverse history.

Very enlightening and well written and superbly narrated. This author(s) shed a new light on the past and present

I put it all in the title! Lol! Just listen it’s a kiki!
Simply Sublime…

Untold American History I didn’t know I needed

OHMYGOD. I need a copy of this book so I can take notes. These stories are SO good. This book provides context to a culture I was somewhat aware of but also so separated from. What a gift this production is! I’m so grateful to have been able to hear these stories and hopefully move forward in the world a little more educated.
Peace and love to all involved in the creation of this text.