Drag and gay performance happened in many working class pubs and clubs in HU3. These venues were often managed by powerful personalities like Clarice at the Star and Garter, Frankie at The Vauxhall or Margaret at Dee St Club. Everyone was welcomed in, which is why often performers and audiences alike say – yep there were fishermen in the audience alongside gay men and lesbians…
Silhouette was the only official gay venue in HU3 with places like The Alex and Polar Bear being known as gay friendly spaces. Throughout the creation of this archive we have come to learn how those, often judged and attacked in other area were protected, supported and loved.
The gallery below showcases images of the venues and their interiors, along with photographs of customers, bar staff and managers.
