Divine

Divine was the stage name of Harris Glenn Milstead (October 19, 1945 – March 7, 1988), an American actor, singer, and drag queen who became an iconic figure in the underground film and music scenes. Here are some key facts about Divine:

1. Early Life and Career Beginnings: Divine was born Harris Glenn Milstead in Baltimore, Maryland. From a young age, Milstead struggled with his identity and found solace in the world of drag performance. He adopted the stage name "Divine" and began performing in local clubs and theaters, quickly gaining a reputation for his bold, fearless persona and larger-than-life presence.

2. Collaboration with John Waters: Divine's career received a significant boost when he began collaborating with filmmaker John Waters, who became a close friend and creative partner. Waters, known for his subversive and boundary-pushing films, cast Divine in a series of cult classics, including "Pink Flamingos" (1972), "Female Trouble" (1974), and "Polyester" (1981). These films, characterized by their provocative subject matter and irreverent humor, helped cement Divine's status as an underground film icon.

3. Music Career: In addition to his work in film, Divine pursued a career in music, releasing several dance-oriented singles throughout the late 1970s and early 1980s. His most famous song, "You Think You're a Man", released in 1984, became a hit in the United Kingdom and solidified Divine's status as a cult figure in the music world. With his flamboyant style and unapologetic attitude, Divine broke barriers and challenged conventional notions of gender and sexuality in the music industry.

4. Cultural Impact and Legacy: Divine's impact on popular culture extends far beyond his film and music career. As an openly gay performer who embraced his identity and defied societal norms, Divine became a symbol of empowerment and liberation for LGBTQ+ communities around the world. His fearless approach to self-expression and his refusal to conform to traditional gender roles inspired countless individuals to embrace their true selves and celebrate their unique identities.

5. Tragic Death and Posthumous Recognition: Divine's life was tragically cut short when he died of heart failure in 1988 at the age of 42. Despite his untimely passing, Divine's legacy lives on through his groundbreaking work in film, music, and activism. He continues to be celebrated as a pioneer of drag performance and a trailblazer for LGBTQ+ representation in the entertainment industry. In recognition of his contributions, Divine was posthumously inducted into the Baltimore Gay and Lesbian Hall of Fame in 2003, ensuring that his legacy as an icon of queer culture endures for generations to come.