Trans Spokane History

Following World War II, queer history seems to have vanished for about two decades. Despite sporadic criminal reports on sodomy among consenting adults hinting at queerness in communities, little is recorded about queer life and culture at that time. 

However, delving into the realm of art, performance, handwritten letters, and lesser-known voices unveils surprising and rich tales of queer individuals from the 1940s and 1950s. Their stories have been overshadowed as history has focused on centering the most powerful and privileged. Though society marginalized them, their existence is not confined to dusty archives.

In this context, as a non-binary 28-year-old residing in Spokane, I was astonished to stumble upon the untold story of two of history's greatest icons who were also transgender performers in downtown Spokane during the 1950s.

Lee Leonard, divine and mesmerizing, graced the stage of Allen’s Tin Pan Alley while Billy Tipton, clad in a tuxedo, serenaded with hypnotic jazz anthems. Unbeknownst to many patrons in the bar, they were witnessing history in the making—a narrative that demands to be shared.

Because history is not just static; it's alive and impactful. It informs and inspires, particularly for transgender individuals today. There is power in remembrance. We've existed in the past, we are present in the here and now, and we will endure into perpetuity.

Liz Lyons, born Rubin Elkins in 1919 in Chicago, was a transgender comic, entertainer, and female impersonator. Performing under the name Lee Leonard early in her career, she quickly became known for her wit and charisma, captivating audiences in various venues, including gay bars. Liz took a courageous step in the late 1960s by undergoing gender-affirming surgery. She then legally changed her gender on her birth certificate and US passport, and adopted the name Liz Lyons. Her journey and achievements remain an inspiration in the history of LGBTQ+ entertainment and rights.

Billy Tipton, born Dorothy Lucille Tipton in 1914 in Oklahoma City, was a transgender jazz musician, talent agent, and band leader. He began binding his chest and presenting as masculine in 1933, fully embracing his identity as a trans man by 1940. Residing on the South Hill, Tipton was a beloved Boy Scout leader and married Kitty, a local dancer; together, they adopted three sons. Tipton passed away at home at age 74 in 1989, and his posthumous outing garnered national attention. Nevertheless, he lived authentically, leaving behind a legacy as a jazz musician, transmasculine historical figure, and LGBTQ+ elder, especially in Spokane where he spent most of his life.