Gay movie actors 1950s
5. Stars from a Bi-Gone Era
The preponderance of the accounts we have delved into stems from a sole individual: Scotty Bowers, a Hollywood pimp who facilitated encounters for queer silver screen actors throughout the 1940s and subsequent decades. Furthermore, Bowers established a connection with Alfred Kinsey, contributing significantly to his renowned research into human sexuality during the 1950s, through the supply of numerous individuals for interviews.
Having previously served as a marine, Bowers maintained his silence regarding these narratives over an extended period, desiring not to detrimentally impact the existences of any performers who remained alive. A significant number of these accounts underwent active suppression, often through the engagement of "fixers" compensated by the film studios of that era; additionally, a number of the performers were involved in "lavender marriages" (unions orchestrated by the studios, often with another queer actor). During that period, film studios, in particular, were disinclined to permit the widespread disclosure of their principal actors' queer orientations, understanding that such revelations would have detrimentally impacted the 'wholesome family image' projected by numerous cinematic productions they sought to promote.
Subsequent to the passing of all the actors involved, Bowers ultimately concluded that his personal experiences and shared anecdotes could no longer tarnish their public perception or cherished standing; furthermore, recognizing a global shift towards greater acceptance of queer attraction, he therefore chose to document these events. Within his memoir, titled Full Service, a considerable number of the interesting anecdotes previously discussed by us are chronicled. The distinctiveness of his literary work largely stems from his unwavering disinclination to express shame regarding sexual matters, which implies that he approaches these narratives with a remarkable absence of critical evaluation. Kudos to him, indeed!
Should your desire be to delve deeper into the lives of these individuals, in addition to other notable queer personalities from the silver screen, we encourage you to consult our comprehensive compendium of sources and additional literature provided hereunder!
Online Articles:
Books:
Full Service: My Adventures in Hollywood and the Secret Sex Live of the Stars by Scotty Bowers
James Dean: Tomorrow Never Comes by Darwin Porter and Damforth Prince
Behind the Screen: How Gays and Lesbians Shaped Hollywood by William J. Mann
Clark Gable: Tormented Star by David Bret
Kate: The Woman Who Was Katharine Hepburn by William J. Mann
The Fixers: Eddie Mannix, Howard Strickling And The MGM Publicity Machine by EJ Flemming