SENATOR DANIEL K. INOUYE
LGBTQ TRAILBLAZE
The Glade Show Club was a celebrated nightclub located on Hotel Street in the red light district of Chinatown. It was popular with locals, tourists, and military personnel for its "Boys Will Be Girls Revue," which featured extravagently dressed ʻfemale impersonators,” similar to the drag shows of today. While considered risqué by Continental USA standards, the show was included in tourist tours.
The most anticipated performance of the evening was by the exotic dancer Prince Hanalei, who had the unique talent of twirling flaming tassels from his buttocks while standing on his head.
Many of the gender-fluid performers at the Glade identified as māhū, a once-respected Hawaiian term that fell into disrepute as Hawaii changed. In 1963, Hawaii passed a law that that criminalized cross-dressing, obligating mahu to wear an “I Am A Boy” button to avoid arrest. Although meant to protect the mahu, this actually mad them more vulnerable to attack and harm. In this biggoted and often violent environment, the Glade became a place of safety and refuge.
The law against cross-dressing was removed in 1972, and the Glade closed its doors in 1983. It reminds us today of the mahu entertainers who blazed the trail toward queer dignity and respect through brave acts of visibility
Legendary performer Brandy Lee recalls her time at the Glade Show Club (6 min video including footage from the original show)