Professor Julio Capó, Jr. of Florida International University constantly surprises Queerguru with his unpredictable queer history projects. This time we got to talk with him about ZORITA TAKES MIAMI. a new Exhibit he has just curated at Stonewall Library and Archives in Wilton Manor. Florida.
ZORITA was an American burlesque performer in the 1940s/50s whose act included two boa constrictors. She became very well known for pushing the limits of acceptable nudity and for her unique and controversial numbers, such as the ‘Half and Half’. She dressed one half of her body as a groom and the other as a bride, and, keeping one side to the audience, began to undress each other, leading to the ‘wedding night romp’. In another, an unseen ‘spider’ removed her clothes whilst she danced in front of a rhinestone-covered spiderweb.
Although she was queer she was however married, the first time at 15, and divorced three times. A famous quote of hers is that she stripped for men, but preferred women. Her fascinating and compelling story may not have the gravitas of many more conventional queer historical figures, but it still makes a significant contribution as to how the LGBTQ+ community would evolve
“Zorita Takes Miami” Exhibition Curated by Julio Capó Jr. UNTIL MAY 9th Stonewall National Museum, Archives & Library info @stonewall-museum.org
