Description
The scrapbooks contain photographs, newspaper clippings and flyers which document the events where drag queen Desiree performed
or was mistress of ceremonies. Some events were simply celebrations. Others raised funds and awareness for such organizations
as Shanti Project, Dignity / Metropolitan Community Church, the AIDS bill of rights, San Francisco General Hospital's Ward
5B, and a variety of AIDS-related organizations.
Background
David Sabado was born in Hawaii and came to the San Francisco Bay Area in the early 1980s. He started out as a male stripper
but was best known to audiences as the popular Asian-American drag queen Desiree. She hosted a drag show every other week
at Oakland's Bench and Bar. She was a member of Drag Queens for Democracy and NAP (the New Alliance Party). She was also the
host for the Endup's regular Jock Strap Contest in the late 1980s. Her popularity was such that she performed and emceed at
many different bars and clubs in San Francisco, including Kimo's, 'N Touch, Esta Noche, the Endup, and many others. There
are flyers and a button for Desiree's campaign to become Queen of Hearts of San Francisco. There are also several photos of
Desiree and other Imperial Court members beautifully attired as 18th century French nobility. Sabado's day job was at Wig
America, then at Hansen-Fontana, a wig shop on Powell St.
Extent
2 Volumes
(in 1 oversized box)
Restrictions
All requests for permission to publish or quote from manuscripts must be submitted in writing to the City Archivist. Permission
for publication is given on behalf of the San Francisco Public Library as the owner of the physical items.
Availability
The collection is available for use during San Francisco History Center Photo Desk hours.