Drag queens are out, proud and loud in a string of coal towns, from a bingo hall to blue-collar bars

Though you might not have known it, some of the most significant figures throughout recorded history were members of the LGBTQ+ community. Some made monumental contributions to various fields—the sciences, visual arts, academia, literature, music, and politics, among others—and did so despite the social pressures and oppositions present during their respective lifetimes, all while overcoming discrimination, political prosecution, social taboos, or undisguised bigotry.

Whether or not some of these people were publicly recognized as gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, or "queer" in any sense of the word varies depending on the person and their history. Some of these historical trailblazers may have been open about their identity, paving the way for others in their respective communities to operate and innovate in their field. Others may not have been out, with knowledge of their identity and orientation only known to a few during their lifetime, or have not come to light until after their life. And in other cases, a person's orientation and identity may still be under dispute between historians, descendants, and contemporaries.

In any case, Stacker compiled a list of just 25 of these LGBTQ+ historical figures, spanning a range of disciplines and periods, referencing articles, personal letters, and books. Each slide details a particular LGBTQ+ person from history, their accomplishments, and how their effects are still present today. For those figures whose orientation or identity remains unclear or under question, relevant sources and evidence are provided to explain their appearances on this list.

Read on to learn more about some of the most influential queer people in human history, and how they changed the world in one way or another.

-100 B.C.-44 B.C.

While ruling the Roman Empire as a dictator, Julius Caesar was often pelted with attacks by political enemies and rivals, often targeting rumored queer relationships of his. Accused of "sleeping his way" into a position of power, Caesar spent much time with King Nicomedes of Bithynia, and his rivals mocked him for apparently taking a "submissive role" in that relationship. Caesar would eventually meet his end when a number of senators conspired to assassinate him on the Ides of March in 44 B.C.

-356 B.C.-323 B.C.

Named as such for his great military conquests, Alexander the Great created one of the largest ancient empires by the young age of 30—but little do people know there is discussion and debate about the sexuality of Alexander III of Macedon. What makes the subject unclear and hazy is the lack of any concept of sexuality during Alexander's time, as same-gender relations were not taboo among higher-class Greeks. Some historical sources also cite Alexander's relationship with Bagoas, a young Persian eunuch.

-1452-1519

Renaissance man Leonardo da Vinci was many things: an inventor, an artist, and an overall intellectual, with his best known artistic works being the paintings "Mona Lisa" and "The Last Supper." One missed aspect of da Vinci's life was his sexuality, with biographer Walter Isaacson citing da Vinci's notebooks in recounting the artist's relationships with younger men, including his students. Records also show da Vinci being arrested in 1476 with charges of sodomy.

-1643-1727

It goes without saying that Isaac Newton's contributions to scientific knowledge have had a lasting impact on the world, as he is credited for developing the laws of motion and the theory of gravity that schools teach to students every day. In terms of Newton's personal life, there has long been speculation about his romantic preferences, as he never married or publicly had any relationships. While some theorize Newton was a repressed gay man, others believe he was instead asexual.

-1728-1810

The Chevalier d'Éon was a French diplomat and soldier who fought in the Seven Years' War, spying for France primarily from England. Known for their androgynous appearance, the Chevalier initially presented as a man in public but would, later on, live the rest of their life as a woman. During their time in London, a betting pool at the stock exchange speculated on their "true" sex. As such, the Chevalier is considered to be one of the first recorded transgender people in modern European history.

-1819-1892

The most well-known work of American poet Walt Whitman was "Leaves of Grass," a poetry collection that remains influential and known to this day in literature. At the time of its publication, however, some critics targeted its content for its overt sexuality. While there is still debate and a lack of true clarity over Whitman's sexual orientation, readers believe many of Whitman's more salacious poems to be about men. And if fellow writer Oscar Wilde is to be believed, then Wilde and Whitman at some point had an intimate encounter sometime in 1882.

-1854-1900

As one of the most prolific authors and playwrights of his time, Oscar Wilde wrote everlasting works such as the novel "The Picture of Dorian Gray" and the play "The Importance of Being Earnest." Wilde was known for being flamboyant and witty, with many of his spoken and written quotes still used in the present day. At the peak of his fame, however, Wilde faced prosecution for "indecency" with men and was sentenced to hard labor for two years, dying in exile not long afterward. It wasn't until 2017 that the British government posthumously pardoned Wilde under what was known as "Turing's Law."

-1830-1886

Massachusetts native Emily Dickinson wrote poems that were unconventional, challenging restraints and conventions in structure and format. It wasn't until after she died in 1886 when her sister found her collection of poems did Dickinson's work gain fame and acclaim. Many of her poems were dedicated to her sister-in-law Susan Gilbert, and this in addition to their many letters exchanged to each other has led scholars and observers to believe that the two had a romantic relationship. Dickinson never married.

-1882-1931

Originally assigned male at birth, Lili Elbe was a painter who was one of the first people to undergo gender-affirming surgery. Elbe was married to fellow painter and artist Gerda Wegener, who frequently used Elbe as a subject and model of her art, and introduced Elbe to people at social engagements as a family member of her "husband." Elbe received multiple surgeries through 1930 and 1931, eventually dying due to complications from one such operation.

-1882-1941

English writer Virginia Woolf is considered one of the progenitors of the modernist literary movement, with her stream-of-consciousness prose becoming extremely influential. But despite her marriage to a man, Woolf was noted for her close relationship with fellow author Vita Sackville-West, and the two sent intimate letters to each other over the course of several years. In fact, many believe that Sackville-West was Woolf's inspiration for the protagonist of her novel "Orlando," with Sackville-West's son calling the book "the longest and most charming love letter in literature."

-1893-1918

During the First World War, English soldier Wilfred Owen wrote numerous memorable poems, including "Dulce et Decorum Est," which vividly described a poisonous gas attack during the war. Owen would eventually receive recognition for his poetic work, although this did not come to pass until after his untimely death in action shortly before the war ended. Owen was the protegee of fellow poet Siegfried Sassoon—the two engaged in an intimate relationship, with both expressing their strife over the war in the form of their poetry.

-1906-1975

The multi-talented Josephine Baker was a singer, dancer, activist, and even a spy during World War II. Born in the United States but later moved to France, Baker is noted for being the first Black woman to star in a major movie—"Siren of the Tropics" in 1927—and she refused to sing and perform in front of segregated audiences in the United States. Baker was also known for having "lady lovers" during a time when "bisexual" was not a used term.

-1907-1954

Mexican painter Frida Kahlo is revered not only in her country of origin but worldwide for her uncompromising art style and many self-portraits, her fame continuing long after her death. Kahlo was married to fellow painter Diego Rivera, although the two would engage in numerous affairs. Kahlo shared a brief affair with Leon Trotsky and accounts of rumored affairs with other famous women, including Georgia O'Keefe and Chavela Vargas. Rivera was also said to have encouraged Kahlo's affairs with women.

-1912-1954

Heralded as the "father" of modern computer science and a key player in World War II, British mathematician Alan Turing's work as a cryptanalyst for the Allies led him to crack the Nazi Enigma code, contributing to the Allies' victory. Despite his service, however, Turing was prosecuted by his government for being in a homosexual relationship. Turing would die of a suspected as a suicide from cyanide poisoning at age 41. Only during the 21st century would leaders in the British government apologize for its mistreatment of Turing, posthumously granting him a royal pardon.

-1912-1987

Bayard Rustin bravely walked the dangerous world of social and political movements in the '40s as an openly gay Black man fighting for both Black and LGBTQ+ rights during a time when it was practically illegal to be either in America. A close advisor to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and one of the key organizers of the March on Washington, Rustin was one of the major proponents of the nonviolent actions of Civil Rights protests. He was an organizer, strategist, and a blaze-carrying torchbearer in the fight for civil rights for all.

-1915-1959

Also known as "Lady Day," Billie Holiday was an influential jazz singer most famous for her vocal range and improvisational ability. Holiday married three different men in the course of her life, and she faced numerous hardships, including drug addiction and a brief stint in prison. During her time in prison, Holiday was said to have engaged in relationships with other women, and she is also said to have dated actress Tallulah Bankhead.

-1924-1987

The sexuality of Black American author James Baldwin was described as "complex," according to some academics. Baldwin's written works addressed sexuality, race, and class, bringing light to issues that both Black Americans and gay Americans faced during his lifetime. As a result, Baldwin and his work are described as intersectional, providing a perspective informed by both racism and homophobia that gay Black Americans would experience.

-1925-2012

The works of American author and intellectual Gore Vidal challenged many social norms of his time—for example, his novel "The City and the Pillar" featured a relationship between two men, while another novel titled "Myra Breckinridge" mentioned a gender-affirming operation. Openly bisexual, Vidal famously proclaimed that "we are all bisexual to begin with." Despite this, Vidal didn't necessarily believe in "gay" as a label.

-1928-1987

From experimental films to paintings of Campbell's soup cans, Andy Warhol was a leader in what was known as the "pop art" movement. Originally from Pittsburgh, Warhol moved to New York City to pursue commercial illustration, eventually using celebrities and other pop cultural images as subjects for his visual art. Warhol lived his life as a gay man, sometimes relaying his sexuality through drawings of nude men; much of his work can be found in museums around the world today.

-1930-1978

Nicknamed the "Mayor of Castro Street," Harvey Milk was an openly gay politician in San Francisco noted for his energy and charisma. While he initially lost an election for the San Francisco Board of Supervisors, Milk would continue to serve his local gay community through other means, founding the San Francisco Gay Democratic Club and eventually winning a seat on the Board of Supervisors. Milk served for nearly a year, but he and Mayor George Moscone were assassinated in November 1978 by former city supervisor Dan White.

-1931-2018

While Hollywood heartthrob Tab Hunter had a career beginning back in the 1950s, it wasn't until 2005 when the "Damn Yankees" star publicly came out as gay. Long before then, any talk of Hunter's sexuality was simply rumor or hearsay, but he had maintained a secret romance with "Psycho" star Anthony Perkins. After coming out, Hunter married producer and long-time partner Allan Glaser until Hunter's death at age 86.

-1940-2019

Originally assigned male at birth, singer Jackie Shane performed in women's clothing and long hair at a young age, eventually leaving the southern United States for Canada. Shane found success in Canada, with her single "Any Other Way" hitting the local charts while breaking social and political lines. While Shane quietly retired and remained silent for several decades, many would revisit her work during the 21st century, and she is regarded as a trailblazer in transgender representation.

-1945-1988

Known as the "Drag Queen of the Century," Harris Glenn Milstead is better known as Divine, a performer most prolific in the 1970s and 1980s. Divine's most famous work included collaborations with counterculture filmmaker John Waters. His films include "Mondo Trasho," "Pink Flamingos," and "Hairspray," where Divine originated the role of Edna Turnblad. The drag performer would influence practically every drag performer to come after, leaving a legacy that included a bombastic stage personality and cult classic movies.

-1945-1992

Quite possibly the most prominent player in the gay liberation movement of the 1960s and 1970s was Marsha P. Johnson, an activist and self-identified drag queen. As a transgender woman, Johnson faced abuse from police and had no permanent home while working as a drag queen and waitress, but she would find herself in the frontlines of gay rights protests after police raided the Stonewall Inn in 1969. Johnson then became a co-founder of the Gay Liberation Front and Street Transvestite Action Revolutionaries, working to provide shelter and safety to trans youth via STAR House and becoming a prolific performer—unfortunately, Johnson was found dead in the Hudson River in 1992, and while police ruled her death a suicide, friends and many observers suspect foul play led to the revolutionary figure's untimely passing.

-1946-1991

Freddie Mercury was the face of the legendary British rock band Queen. Mercury's vocal range and lyrical abilities led to classic songs including "We Are the Champions," "Don't Stop Me Now," and "Bohemian Rhapsody." While Mercury never publicly gave a label to his sexuality, he was a known bisexual man, having had relationships with both women and men; Mercury would later die at the age of 45 due to complications from AIDS.

Data reporting by Dom DiFurio. Story editing by Cynthia Rebolledo. Copy editing by Paris Close. Photo selection by Clarese Moller.

Members of the Daniels drag family pose for a photograph during their "Daniels Family Values" drag show at the Heritage Restaurant in Shamokin, Pa., Saturday, April 16, 2022. They are, from left, Xander Valentine, aka Gwen Bobbie; Harpy Daniels, aka Joshua Kelley; Alexus Daniels, Tequila Daniels, aka Tony Nahodil, and Trixy Valentine, aka Jacob Kelley. Lawmakers in many red states are pushing to restrict drag, yet deep in Pennsylvania coal country, performers in the Daniels drag family are firmly woven in the fabric of the larger community. (AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster)

Drag queen Alexus Daniels lip-syncs to "Heart of Glass" by Blondie as she sits on the lap of a smiling and consenting audience member and others take photos during the "Daniels Family Values" drag show at the Heritage Restaurant in Shamokin, Pa., Saturday, April 16, 2022. Daniels, the drag family matriarch, was the child of a coal miner and textile worker who was "born with a female spirit." She works at the local hospital as an MRI aide tech. (AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster)

Javon Love, right, performs with Baby Angel, doing the splits, during "Mimosas & Heels Drag Brunch" at the Public House, Sunday, March 5, 2023, in Norfolk, Va. The drag bunch was hosted by Harpy Daniels and Javon Love. (AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster)

Harpy Daniels, aka Joshua Kelley, collects tips from a cheering audience during the "Daniels Family Values" drag show at the Heritage Restaurant in Shamokin, Pa., Saturday, April 16, 2022. Performances by the drag family are popular in bars, restaurants, bingo halls and garden parties in this slice of coal country even as politicians act to restrict them. (AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster)

A waitress pauses with plates of food as drag queen Harpy Daniels, aka Joshua Kelley, poses for a photograph taken by Ryan Geiger, right, before the "Daniels Family Values" drag show at the Heritage Restaurant in Shamokin, Pa., Saturday, April 16, 2022. A petty officer first class, Kelley was named a "digital ambassador" by the U.S. Navy to do outreach to the LGBTQ+ community. (AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster)

Drag queen Tequila Daniels, aka Tony Nahodil, poses for a photograph before the "Daniels Family Values" drag show at the Heritage Restaurant in Shamokin, Pa., Saturday, April 16, 2022. Tequila talks about her drag daughters, "I was lucky to befriend and become the drag mother of the most talented and humble girls I know, Harpy Daniels and Trixy Valentine. It took me a while to find someone who showed they had the drive, the talent, and still able to be humble. My goal is for everyone in the Daniels family to never forget our roots.” (AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster)

Drag queen Alexus Daniels, dressed as Dolly Parton, poses for selfie photos with audience members as she performs at "Spring Fever Drag Brunch," Sunday, March 26, 2023, at the Kulpmont Winery in Kulpmont, Pa. (AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster)

Drag queen Trixy Valentine, aka Jacob Kelley, ties tights around their head before applying makeup, or "painting" at Washington Marriott Georgetown, in Washington, Wednesday, May 31, 2023. Trixy and twin Harpy Daniels, aka Joshua Kelley, are performing at the Rainbow Special Interest Group of NAFSA: Association of International Educators reception at Pitchers and a League of Her Own bar across town. (AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster)

Drag queen Trixy Valentine's eye makeup of fake lashes, rhinestones and glitter is reflected in a bathroom mirror at the Washington Marriott Georgetown, in Washington, Wednesday, May 31, 2023. Trixy, aka Jacob Kelley, and twin Harpy Daniels, aka Joshua Kelley, are performing at the Rainbow Special Interest Group of NAFSA: Association of International Educators reception at Pitchers and a League of Her Own bar across town. (AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster)

Drag queen Trixy Valentine, aka Jacob Kelley, in a red wig and finished makeup at the Washington Marriott Georgetown, in Washington, Wednesday, May 31, 2023. Trixy and twin Harpy Daniels, aka Joshua Kelley, are performing at the Rainbow Special Interest Group of NAFSA: Association of International Educators reception at Pitchers and a League of Her Own bar across town. Kelley is an LGBTQ+ activist and educator with a masters in human sexuality. (AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster)

Trixy Valentine, aka Jacob Kelley, performs to "The Devil Went Down to Georgia" by the Charlie Daniels Band during the "Spring Fever Drag Brunch," Sunday, March 26, 2023, at the Kulpmont Winery in Kulpmont, Pa. Kelley is an LGBTQ+ activist and educator with a masters in human sexuality. (AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster)

Drag queen Trixy Valentine, aka Jacob Kelley, dresses in a side storage room during the sold-out "Drag Bingo" fundraiser at the Nescopeck Township Volunteer Fire Company Social Hall, in Nescopeck, Pa., Saturday, March 18, 2023, to raise money for a new roof for the Berwick Theater and Center for Community Arts, in Berwick, Pa. (AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster)

Trixy Valentine, aka Jacob Kelley, walks in street clothes and makeup after performing at the "Spring Fever Drag Brunch," Sunday, March 26, 2023, at the Kulpmont Winery in Kulpmont, Pa. (AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster)

Ticket holders line up before the doors open for the sold-out "Drag Bingo" fundraiser at the Nescopeck Township Volunteer Fire Company Social Hall, in Nescopeck, Pa., Saturday, March 18, 2023, to raise money for a new roof for the Berwick Theater and Center for Community Arts, in Berwick, Pa. (AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster)

Drag queen Trixy Valentine, aka Jacob Kelley, changes in a makeshift dressing room after performing at a "Drag Bingo" fundraiser at the Nescopeck Township Volunteer Fire Company Social Hall, in Nescopeck, Pa., Saturday, March 18, 2023, to raise money for a new roof for the Berwick Theater and Center for Community Arts, in Berwick, Pa. (AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster)

Drag queen Trixy Valentine, aka Jacob Kelley, pauses before entering to perform her drag story mix at a "Drag Bingo" fundraiser at the Nescopeck Township Volunteer Fire Company Social Hall, in Nescopeck, Pa., Saturday, March 18, 2023, to raise money for a new roof for the Berwick Theater and Center for Community Arts, in Berwick, Pa. (AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster)

Drag queens Tequila Daniels, aka Tony Nahodil, left, and her drag daughter, Trixy Valentine, aka Jacob Kelley, pause before entering a "Drag Bingo" fundraiser at the Nescopeck Township Volunteer Fire Company Social Hall, in Nescopeck, Pa., Saturday, March 18, 2023, to raise money for a new roof for the Berwick Theater and Center for Community Arts, in Berwick, Pa. (AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster)

Drag queen Trixy Valentine, aka Jacob Kelley, cries in the arms of DJ Corrine after performing their drag story mix at a "Drag Bingo" fundraiser at the Nescopeck Township Volunteer Fire Company Social Hall, in Nescopeck, Pa., Saturday, March 18, 2023. Trixy's emotional performance received a standing ovation. (AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster)

The audience gives drag queen Trixy Valentine, aka Jacob Kelley, a standing ovation for their drag story mix performance at a "Drag Bingo" fundraiser at the Nescopeck Township Volunteer Fire Company Social Hall, in Nescopeck, Pa., Saturday, March 18, 2023, to raise money for a new roof for the Berwick Theater and Center for Community Arts, in Berwick, Pa. (AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster)

Drag king Xander Valentine, aka Gwen Bobbie, performs "The Greatest Show" from the movie "The Greatest Showman" for the sold-out "Drag Bingo" fundraiser at the Nescopeck Township Volunteer Fire Company Social Hall, in Nescopeck, Pa., Saturday, March 18, 2023, to raise money for a new roof for the Berwick Theater and Center for Community Arts, in Berwick, Pa. (AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster)

Drag king Xander Valentine, aka Gwen Bobbie, performs during the "Daniels Family Values" drag show at the Heritage Restaurant in Shamokin, Pa., Saturday, April 16, 2022. (AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster)

Drag queen Harpy Daniels, aka Joshua Kelley, performs during the "Mimosas & Heels Drag Brunch" at the Public House, Sunday, March 5, 2023, in Norfolk, Va. The drag brunch was hosted by Harpy Daniels and Javon Love. (AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster)

Sweet Pickles performs during the "Mimosas & Heels Drag Brunch" at the Public House, Sunday, March 5, 2023, in Norfolk, Va. The drag bunch was hosted by Harpy Daniels and Javon Love. (AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster)

Carlos Ova-Dupree performs during the "Mimosas & Heels Drag Brunch" at the Public House, Sunday, March 5, 2023, in Norfolk, Va. The drag bunch was hosted by Harpy Daniels and Javon Love. (AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster)

Baby Angel, performs a "death drop" during the "Mimosas & Heels Drag Brunch" at the Public House, Sunday, March 5, 2023, in Norfolk, Va. The drag bunch was hosted by Harpy Daniels and Javon Love. (AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster)

Drag queen Harpy Daniels, aka Joshua Kelley, performs during the "Mimosas & Heels Drag Brunch" at the Public House, Sunday, March 5, 2023, in Norfolk, Va. The drag brunch was hosted by Harpy Daniels and Javon Love. (AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster)

The audience sings along and holds up cash tips for drag queen Alexus Daniels at "Spring Fever Drag Brunch," Sunday, March 26, 2023, at the Kulpmont Winery in Kulpmont, Pa. (AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster)

Cash tips are stuffed into the bustier of drag queen Kitty DeVil's, aka Emily Poliniak, as she performs at "Spring Fever Drag Brunch," Sunday, March 26, 2023, at the Kulpmont Winery in Kulpmont, Pa. (AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster)

Drag queen Alexus Daniels, dressed as Tina Turner, is reflected in a makeup mirror as she counts tips in the dressing area during the "Spring Fever Drag Brunch," Sunday, March 26, 2023, at the Kulpmont Winery in Kulpmont, Pa. (AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster)

Trixy Valentine, aka Jacob Kelley, brings wigs and a suitcase full of outfits to the car after performing at "Spring Fever Drag Brunch," Sunday, March 26, 2023, at the Kulpmont Winery in Kulpmont, Pa. (AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster)

From left, Tequila Daniels, aka Tony Nahodil; Alexus Daniels; Kitty DeVil, aka Emily Poliniak, and Trixy Valentine, aka Jacob Kelley, talk to the audience during "Spring Fever Drag Brunch," Sunday, March 26, 2023, at the Kulpmont Winery in Kulpmont, Pa. (AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster)

Drag queen Alexus Daniels, wearing a Diana Ross T-shirt, removes makeup for the ride home after performing at "Spring Fever Drag Brunch," Sunday, March 26, 2023, at the Kulpmont Winery in Kulpmont, Pa. Alexus removed makeup to pump gas without drawing unwelcome attention. (AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster)

Drag queen Alexus Daniels is reflected in a mirror applying makeup, or "painting" at home in Coal Township, Pa., Saturday, May 6, 2023. Alexus is preparing for her first "Drag Storytime!" in Mt. Carmel, Pa., at the Pink Moon Collective to read "My Little Golden Book About Dolly Parton" and "Coat of Many Colors" to children, family, and friends. (AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster)

Drag queen Alexus Daniels reads "My Little Golden Book About Dolly Parton" to children at "Drag Storytime!" in Mt. Carmel, Pa., in the garden at the Pink Moon Collective, Saturday, May 6, 2023. (AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster)

Drag queen Alexus Daniels reads "Coat of Many Colors" by Dolly Parton to children, their families, and friends at "Drag Storytime!" in Mt. Carmel, Pa., in the garden at the Pink Moon Collective, Saturday, May 6, 2023. (AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster)

Ryan Geiger holds a rainbow "Love is Love" fan as drag queens Harpy Daniels, aka Joshua Kelley, left, and twin Trixy Valentine, aka Jacob Kelley, right, prepare to perform at Rainbow Special Interest Group of NAFSA: Association of International Educators reception at Pitchers and a League of Her Own bar in Washington, Wednesday, May 31, 2023. (AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster)

Drag queen Harpy Daniels, aka U.S. Navy Yeoman 1st Class Joshua Kelley, wraps their head and short Navy haircut in duct tape to use as an anchor for bobby pins to secure a wig to perform at the Rainbow Special Interest Group of NAFSA: Association of International Educators reception at Pitchers and a League of Her Own bar in Washington, Wednesday, May 31, 2023. (AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster)

Drag queen Harpy Daniels, aka Joshua Kelley, applies hairspray before leaving the dressing area to perform at the Rainbow Special Interest Group of NAFSA: Association of International Educators reception at Pitchers and a League of Her Own bar in Washington, Wednesday, May 31, 2023. (AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster)

Drag queen Harpy Daniels, aka Joshua Kelley, mingles between songs at the Rainbow Special Interest Group of NAFSA: Association of International Educators reception at Pitchers and a League of Her Own bar in Washington, Wednesday, May 31, 2023. (AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster)

Drag queen Harpy Daniel, aka Joshua Kelley, performs at the Rainbow Special Interest Group of NAFSA: Association of International Educators reception at Pitchers and a League of Her Own bar in Washington, Wednesday, May 31, 2023. (AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster)