Exploring the Role of Cross-Dressing Performers in Malmö's Queer History
Cross-dressing performers played a pivotal role in the emergence of queer communities in Malmö's late 19th-century culture.
Key Points
- • Malmö's audience was captivated by cross-dressing performers around the turn of the 19th century.
- • These performers were a popular part of variety shows in Malmö.
- • The period coincided with the formation of queer communities and homosexual identities in Malmö.
- • Research by Linus Sollin will be presented at the Malmö Art Museum in July 2025.
In a fascinating exploration of Malmö's cultural history, the significant influence that cross-dressing performers had on the development of queer communities is being highlighted. During the late 19th century, audiences were captivated by both female and male impersonators, who became a staple of the city’s variety shows. These performances not only entertained but also coincided with the formation of queer identities within Malmö, offering a sense of community and expression at a time when such identities were emerging.
Linus Sollin, a researcher from the Malmö City Archive, has dedicated his study to this historic intersection of entertainment and identity. According to Sollin, the popularity of these performers was crucial in shaping the cultural landscape for queer individuals in Malmö, allowing previously marginalized voices to find a platform. His research findings will be presented at an event at the Malmö Art Museum in Kungsparken in July 2025, promising to shed further light on this transformative era in the city’s history.