Lol: A Bona Queen of Fabularity

Director: Angela Pope
Release Year: 1981

In the vibrant world of London's drag scene, few figures have left as significant an impression as the late Laurie Lee. Known to his friends and fans as "Lol," he was a legendary drag queen whose colorful persona, exuberant performances, and unapologetic embrace of femininity embodied the spirit of an era that was both challenging and exhilarating for the LGBTQ+ community.

 

Set against the backdrop of 1970s and 1980s London, Lol: A Bona Queen of Fabularity (1981), a documentary directed by Angela Pope, offers a captivating glimpse into Lee's life, showcasing his undeniable charm, wit, and audacity during a time when being openly gay and effeminate was still a rarity. The documentary is part of the BBC2 series 40 Minutes, which ran from 1981 to 1994, offering an insightful look into various aspects of British society. Lol: A Bona Queen of Fabularity stands out as one of the series' most memorable episodes, as it introduces viewers to the world of Laurie Lee, a man whose life was steeped in both working-class roots and the vibrant, often misunderstood world of drag. The film captures not just his performances but also his candid reflections on what it meant to be a drag queen during a time when public acceptance was still years away.

 

Laurie Lee’s life story is rich with layers that reflect the social climate of the time. When Lee was still a young man, the world was vastly different from the modern-day LGBTQ+ rights landscape. In the 1970s and early 1980s, life for many gay individuals was often a secretive, hidden existence. Lee’s own experiences as a young man illustrate this complexity. Before embracing the drag queen persona that would define his legacy, he served in the British Army’s National Service - a mandatory enlistment period that ended in the early 1960s. He also worked aboard a Merchant Navy ship, where he navigated a world that offered fleeting, often clandestine, opportunities for romantic connections. While such relationships were illegal at the time, they were not unusual, providing a sense of camaraderie for those seeking companionship in an oppressive society. The documentary offers a unique portrait of a man who had already lived through many transformative experiences, including his time in the military and the Merchant Navy, yet still found himself drawn to a life of drag in a rapidly changing cultural landscape. In a society where LGBTQ+ individuals were often forced to live in the shadows, Lee’s willingness to embrace his identity as a drag queen was a courageous and groundbreaking act of self-expression.

 

At the time Lol: A Bona Queen of Fabularity was filmed, the East End of London, where Lee lived, was still largely working-class and underrepresented in the mainstream media. Gay bars were few and far between, and most LGBTQ+ individuals had to find alternative spaces to express themselves. In this setting, Laurie Lee found his niche performing for audiences that were not typically associated with the drag scene. Hen parties, stag parties, and other such events were among the few places where a drag performer could find paying gigs. It was a world of private revelry, but Lee managed to carve out his place within it. Despite the limited opportunities in his neighborhood, Lee never appeared anything less than exuberant and content. 

 

In fact, the documentary paints a picture of a man thoroughly enjoying his life, one who had no qualms about being openly gay and effeminate in a time when such behaviors were often met with scorn or rejection. His performances were full of fabulousness, humor, and a particular brand of warmth that endeared him to those who saw him in action. What truly stands out in Lol: A Bona Queen of Fabularity is Lee's openness in discussing his identity. There is a distinct joy in the way he speaks about his life and the people he encounters. In one particularly memorable scene, he enthusiastically enumerates the different kinds of drag queens that populate the community. His descriptions, laced with Polari (the coded slang used by the LGBTQ+ community), are both informative and hilarious, offering viewers an entertaining and eye-opening perspective on the diversity within the drag world. It is a moment that encapsulates the charm and wit that made Lee such a beloved figure in the London drag scene. 

 

By the time of Laurie Lee’s passing in 2003, the world of drag had undergone significant changes. New, younger generations had emerged, reshaping the art form and redefining what it meant to be a drag queen in a more openly accepting society. In a sense, Lee’s world had been replaced by the new wave of drag culture, which was more visible and more mainstream than it had ever been before. However, his legacy remains intact as part of a pivotal era in London’s gay history - a time when drag queens like Lee fought for visibility and acceptance in a society that was often hostile to them. Watching Lol: A Bona Queen of Fabularity today is like stepping into a time machine, offering a rare glimpse into a past that helped shape the vibrant drag scene we know today. It is a testament to the resilience and creativity of individuals like Laurie Lee, who paved the way for future generations of drag performers. The documentary serves not only as a fascinating historical document but also as a celebration of a time when, despite the challenges and prejudices they faced, drag queens found ways to shine brightly in their own unique and fabulous way. 

 

Although the world of Laurie Lee and his contemporaries may have long since faded into history, Lol: A Bona Queen of Fabularity continues to captivate audiences with its humor, heart, and warmth. It is a reminder of the enduring power of self-expression and the unapologetic embrace of one’s identity, even in the face of adversity. In a time when the drag community has gained much more mainstream recognition and acceptance, this 1981 documentary stands as a poignant tribute to a man who was both a product of his time and a trailblazer for future generations. Laurie Lee's influence on the drag world, particularly in London, is undeniable. Through Lol: A Bona Queen of Fabularity, viewers can appreciate his significant role in shaping the drag scene while also enjoying the joy and levity he brought to those around him. His performances and his vibrant personality remain a testament to the strength and creativity of drag culture, and his legacy continues to inspire drag queens today. As we look back on Laurie Lee's contributions, Lol: A Bona Queen of Fabularity serves as both a fascinating historical record and a celebration of a truly unique individual. Watching this documentary is not only an exploration of a pivotal era in LGBTQ+ history but also a heartwarming journey into the fabulous world of a man who embodied the essence of fabularity, hilarity, and geniality. It remains a joy to watch, and an essential piece of drag history.

 

via: youtube

Image credits: YouTube