P.S. Burn This Letter Please: The fabulous and fraught birth of modern drag, in the queens' own words (Hardback) - Craig Olsen

A personal, vivid snapshot of drag culture in 1950s New York, showing readers how modern drag culture was born through first-hand letters, photographs and lively research from incredible historians

With an introduction from RuPaul's Drag Race winner Sasha Velour

Their greatest act of resistance was simply existing

In 1950s New York, a group of drag pioneers found work in a small number of Lower East Side clubs. They occupied the margins of society, determined to live authentically, despite the attentions of the police. These girls were unstoppable, fearless and fabulous, but their very existence was deemed a criminal threat to society.

When a secret cache of their letters was discovered in 2014, these individuals were given a voice for the first time. The letters reveal personal triumphs and tragedies, and a fascinating world that has rarely been documented.

Expertly weaving social, political and cultural history, Craig Olsen illuminates the lives and loves of our exceptional LGBTQ+ forebears.

P.S. Burn This Letter Please is the ground-breaking result: a deeply moving encounter with a generation of survivors, and a necessary account of how modern drag culture was born.

About the Author

Craig Olsen is an entrepreneur who has worked across art, podcasting, production and interior design. A graduate from Cornish College of the Arts with a BFA in Theatre, Craig can be seen on film as well as numerous network and cable television series, most notably in drag. Craig currently sits as Chairman of the Board for Los Angeles' premier contemporary ballet company Barak Ballet and is a trustee of the Edward F. Limato Foundation. After discovering a cache of personal letters by prominent drag performers in 1950s New York City, Mr. Olsen embarked on what has now become a lifelong journey to preserve and illuminate the courage of those that have set the stage for the current success of the LGBTQ+ community. Craig is directing his future focus toward preserving gay history.