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In this digital series, New York's sweetest drag diva Peppermint tells the story of pioneering American drag artists. In the process, she demonstrates how drag is a performance art form that has thrived in this country for generations, entertaining LGBTQ+ and general audiences alike, and providing the former with an important outlet of self-expression.

Born into slavery, Swann was the first known person to identify as a “Queen of Drag.”
Crystal was a proud Black trans woman, a drag mother and, a pageant girl.
Jean Malin was one of the first openly gay performers in the Prohibition era.
Support for American Masters is provided by the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, AARP, Rosalind P. Walter Foundation, Judith and Burton Resnick, Blanche and Hayward Cirker Charitable Lead Annuity Trust, Koo and Patricia Yuen, Lillian Goldman Programming Endowment, Seton J. Melvin, Thea Petschek Iervolino Foundation, Anita and Jay Kaufman, The Philip and Janice Levin Foundation, Kate W. Cassidy Foundation, The Blanche and Irving Laurie Foundation, The Ambrose Monell Foundation, Ellen and James S. Marcus, The Charina Endowment Fund, The Marc Haas Foundation and public television viewers.
Episodes
Explores the life, works and beliefs of the late writer and civil rights activist.
A father of bebop, Charlie Parker influenced generations of musicians.
Calder’s aesthetic revolution concerned a somewhat taboo topic in the art world - fun.
Alice Waters has made it her mission in life to make sure that people eat beautifully.
Explore the creative genius of I.M. Pei as he reshapes the future of architecture in China
Watch the full documentary on Lennon's life in New York City during the 1970s.
Pulitzer Prize- and National Book Award-winning novelist Philip Roth
The first documentary about the legend behind much of the bold television of the '70s.
Patsy Cline defined modern country music by using her singular talent and emotional depth.
Today’s American food movement can be traced back to one man: James Beard.
Tyrus Wong's pioneering artwork led to iconic works like Bambi and Rebel Without a Cause.
He lived fast, died young and created thousands of drawings and paintings.
Extras
Photographer Gioncarlo Valentine documents intimacy as a radical act of self-exploration.
Janis Ian wrote “Some People’s Lives” with songwriter Kye Fleming.
Janis Ian was inspired to write “Society’s Child” after observing an interracial couple on her bus.
Janis Ian’s song “At Seventeen” spoke to audiences of all kinds and had a universal relevance.
Trace the life and music of “Society’s Child” folk icon and LGBTQ+ advocate Janis Ian.
Follow author Sarah Thankam Mathews as pressure mounts to follow up her acclaimed debut novel.
Follow author Sarah Thankam Mathews as pressure mounts to follow up her acclaimed debut novel.
Follow author Sarah Thankam Mathews as pressure mounts to follow up her acclaimed debut novel.
Follow the Broadway choreographer as she elevates the possible with bold explorations of movement.
Follow the Broadway choreographer as she elevates the possible with bold explorations of movement.