Garden of Allah

The Garden of Allah

The Garden of Allah was known for vaudeville, burlesque, and variety shows with female impersonators as its main attraction. The Garden's shows attracted men and women, gay and straight, and often featured nationally recognized performers. Characterized as wild and bawdy, the Garden was like home to many of its patrons, fostering a sense of community and family among gays and lesbians in Seattle. The cabaret, its performers and clientele have been immortalized by Don Paulson and Roger Simpson in An Evening at the Gardent of Allah.

A travelling group of gay men, the Jewel Box Review, performed at the Garden of Allah on opening night in 1946.

The images above were shared with the History Project and can be viewed in Paulson/Simpson's book.

Paulson, Don, with Roger Simpson. 1996. An Evening at the Garden of Allah, A Gay Cabaret in Seattle. New York: Columbia University Press.

1950s - Pioneer Square

Seattle, WA: Queen City Comes Out: Exploring Seattle's Lesbian and Gay History

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