Public Identity: Judy Garland and the Queer Journey in Radio Drama

Public Identity: Judy Garland and the Queer Journey in Radio Drama

The Hollywood musical film “The Wizard of Oz,” which stars Judy Garland as Dorothy Gale, is increasingly viewed in the context of queerness. Jörg Albrecht, a Berlin writer and playwright, produced a radio play on this topic called “Beyond the Rainbow”. The radio play, which was broadcast by Bayerischer Rundfunk in 2017 and repeated on the International Day against Homophobia, Biphobia, Interphobia and Transphobia (IDAHOBIT), highlights topics such as identity, role, being seen and recognition. The radio play lasts about an hour and includes four characters: Silvana, a trans woman; Tom Cruising, a drag king; Hayati Terzi, a German-Turkish gay man who converted to Catholicism; and Brian Storm, an Afro-German man who talks about everyday racism.

The characters are on a journey linked to the iconic “Yellow Brick Road” from the film. The radio play addresses the challenges of coming out and the reality of queer life. Silvana faces questions that question her identity and authenticity, while Albrecht criticizes the often clear separation between good and evil in the queer community. In this context, a fascinating connection is made between Judy Garland's character Dorothy and the trans woman Caitlyn Jenner, suggesting that Dorothy can be viewed as a kind of trans star. Albrecht also refers to the historical radio play “Detective Andy and the Transvestite Murder” by Anthony Ingrassia, which was broadcast over 40 years ago and brought authentic voices of trans women to life.

Judy Garland and her importance for the LGBTQ community

Judy Garland (1922–1969) is considered one of the most important icons of gay culture, also referred to as “The Elvis of homosexuals,” as The Advocate puts it. Her appeal among gay men stems from her acting, personal struggles and camp status. Garland's role as Dorothy in The Wizard of Oz contributed significantly to her status as an LGBTQ icon. In the 1960s, Garland did express indifference toward her gay following, saying, "I couldn't be less interested. I sing for people!"

Discussions about Garland's connection to gay culture began in the mainstream media as early as 1967. Time magazine noted a large gay following at Garland's performances. Psychiatrists interpreted Garland's overcoming of personal crises as a point of resonance for many gay men who could identify with her experiences. Author William Goldman described Garland as a tragic figure whose suffering and persecution many homosexuals can relate to. Gay film scholar Richard Dyer defined Garland's camp appeal as a way of dealing with the dominant culture through irony and exaggeration.

Influence and legacy

The phrase “Friend of Dorothy” probably originated in Garland’s portrayal of Dorothy and became code among gay men. The journey of Dorothy in “The Wizard of Oz” symbolizes the desire of many gay men to escape from small towns to vibrant metropolises. The character of the cowardly lion in the film is also interpreted as a coded representation of a gay man who is accepted by Dorothy without question.

A notable aspect of Garland's life trajectory is the timing of her death on June 27, 1969, which coincided with the Stonewall riots - a turning point in the gay liberation movement. Some visitors to the Stonewall Inn were fans of Garland and had recently attended her funeral. This connection was later fictionalized in the media, including in the film “Stonewall.” Emotions surrounding Garland's death influenced the unrest, Time magazine reported. Her daughter Lorna Luft said her mother was a human rights advocate and supported the riots. Ironically, the rainbow flag, a symbol of LGBTQ communities, may also have been inspired by Garland's song "Over the Rainbow," which resonates deeply with many gay men who feel alienated from their true selves in their public image.

Judy Garland was not only a talented artist, but also a symbol of hope and identity for many in the LGBTQ community. Her connection to queer life continues to be explored and celebrated through works such as the radio play Beyond the Rainbow.