This past weekend the Hollywood Museum in Los Angeles opened it’s latest exhibition “REAL to REEL: Portrayals and Perceptions of LGBTQs in Hollywood.” The 100-year retrospective takes a look at queer contributions in front of and behind the camera from the silent film era to today’s movies and television.

“The museum welcomes the opportunity to create and showcase this important exhibition, sharing with the public the artistic expression and extraordinary significance of the LGBTQ culture and its effect and impact on the world through the medium of entertainment,” explained Donelle Dadigan, Founder and President of The Hollywood Museum.

The exhibit has props and designs from a variety of LGBTQ entertainment including Rupaul’s Drag Race, The Big Bang Theory, The Walking Dead, Cabaret, and Trans America. Designs from Bob Mackie, Mr. Blackwell and Project Runway as well as icons like Judy Garland, Joan Crawford, Roddy McDowall, Bette Midler, and Lily Tomlin are also showcased.

The opening VIP event was a part of the annual Christopher Street West Pride activities and had many of the celebrated patrons and a host of LGBTQ allies on hand including Erin Murphy, Alison Arngrim, Vincent DePaul, Councilman Mitch O’Farrel and Judy Tenuta.

The exhibition is running now through September 4.

Judy Tenuta. Image by BILL DOW