The Drag Queens of Ballandean (1962)

In 1962 Allan Taylor was crowned Miss Peach Blossom as a protest against the Apple Blossom Festival in Stanthorpe.

His friend, Peter Day, and other friends from the Ballandean Youth Group dressed up in women's clothing and sat on the Ballandean float, in the popular Apple Blossom Festival Street Parade.

I sat down with Allan and Peter, now crowned the 'drag queens of Ballandean' along with Ballandean local, 'Chooky' Williamson to find out why they were protesting against an apple festival.

I was also able to speak to Sam Costanzo over the phone about why dressed up and joined in the protest.

Beyond The Crown is hosted by Lou Bromley.

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This podcast has been made possible by the Regional Arts Development Fund; it's a partnership between the Queensland Government and the Southern Downs Regional Council to support local arts and culture in regional Queensland.