Sessions will be held in the UCET classroom (NS245) between noon and 1pm unless otherwise noted (before or after the Academic Senate meeting).
Feel free to bring your lunch. Soft drinks and water will be provided.
2026-2027 Dean's Seminar Series
Abstract:
Part lecture, part performance – this presentation will introduce the audience to one of the most famous forebears of drag performance the world has ever forgotten; Mr. Julian Eltinge. Often referred to as one of the most beautiful women in the world, Mr. Eltinge was not only the preeminent female illusionist of his time, but also a fascinating dichotomy in public persona vs. private life. At the start of the 20th century, when Mr. Eltinge reigned, while there was tolerance for female illusionists, it only went so far as it was kept on the stage. The mixing of performative female illusion and the private life of an “invert” (common vernacular for homosexual at the time) destroyed many a career – therefore, Mr. Eltinge had to carefully control both sides of his persona. This ability to serve the full female illusion on stage while maintaining his public persona of a straight man doing manly things off stage allowed Mr. Eltinge to create an empire of beauty products, women’s magazines, films, stage spectacles, and much more. Yet, because of this tight image control coupled with the harsh treatment of anyone perceived as different at the time, we are left wondering if we knew him at all. Or if he was ever able to be his true self. This presentation will cover elements known of his life as well as speculate about what his life might have been like had he been able to live his perceived truth fully in the light as his place in history would simply not allow.