Queen of 39th Street also a Hero
Special to the Gayly
by Larry Cassil
Cathedral of Hope, Oklahoma City is honored to present its 2013 "Hero of Hope" award to Mr. Ginger Lamar. Ginger has worked as a female impersonator in the Oklahoma City area since 1969, the same year the Stonewall Riots marked the beginning of the modern gay rights movement.
She first began appearing under the name Ginger Lamar in 1976, and was a pioneer in performing at early LGBT clubs such as Tony’s and the Outrigger Club. She performed at the Free Spirit, Angle’s, the Copa and most recently, at the Boom. She has rightly earned the title "The Queen of 39th Street."
Not only on the forefront of female impersonation in Oklahoma City, Ginger was out and visible and has been instrumental in the ongoing fight for LGBT equality in Oklahoma. Her Sunday night 'Ginger Lamar Show' at Angle’s was an introduction to the gay community for legions of straight people in the ‘80s and ‘90s. She helped them conquer fear and prejudice and to become allies of the LGBT community.
Ginger worked to mobilize the community and raise money in the early days of the HIV/AIDS crisis. She helped to organize the Christmas Carnival and continues to perform at benefits for organizations such as Long Term Survivors of AIDS, RAIN, the Winds House and Other Options’ Food Pantry, as well as benefits for persons who needed extra help.
Through her outrageous wit and sparkling personality, Ginger has made Oklahoma City smile for more than forty years. She provides continuity for, and is a lasting symbol of the LGBT community during good times and bad. In her own words, her goal in performing was that "for that little time, we can forget everything and have fun!"
Cathedral of Hope presents the "Hero of Hope" award to Ginger Lamar both to reflect the community’s gratitude and because her continuing history of performance, charitable work and community service embody the Church’s mission -- "Extravagant Grace, Radical Inclusion and Relentless Compassion."
All are invited to attend the Cathedral of Hope OKC service on Sunday, November 17, at 6:00pm, at Mayflower Congregational Church, 3901 NW 63rd St., in Oklahoma City.
November 12, 2013