Carl Rizzi performed in drag as Mame Dennis (center). Rizzi led The Academy of Washington, a drag organization, from 1973 until his death in 2015. Above, Rizzi sits with his "nephews."

Carl Rizzi performed in drag as Mame Dennis (center). Rizzi led The Academy of Washington, a drag organization, from 1973 until his death in 2015. Above, Rizzi sits with his "nephews." Courtesy of Mark Meinke.

A Brief History Of Drag In The District

When his partner died of cancer in 1997, LGBTQ activist Mark Meinke started attending drag shows nearly every night to keep himself busy. He soon became the unofficial beat reporter…
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