The Armorettes

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Description

Atlanta has long been known as "the gay capital" of the South, and a mecca of sorts to the hundreds of men and women who grew up in, moved to or visited often a city in which they could "be themselves..." be gay. Atlanta also can lay claim to another distinctive title, the birthplace of "Camp Drag" female impersonation that uniquely combines comedy and outrageous fashion, all set to music. In the late 1970's, gay men began to congregate to watch Atlanta Falcon football games in a gay bar called the Armory every Sunday. Unfortunately, the Falcons weren't that good. To keep the crowds at halftime, a group of regulars at the Armory formed a drag troupe that became known as the Armorettes. Under the direction of the bar's manager, Greg Troia, and funded by the bar's owner, Bill Copeland, the Armorettes quickly moved from being "side entertainment" at halftime of a football game to being the focus of the entire evening. From 1980, every Sunday at 9:00 pm sharp, the Armorettes donned wigs, sequins and heels, and performed for the community. From the beginning, Greg's idea was to present drag in a form we now call "camp." The Armorettes were an immediate success at the Armory and across the city. Under the leadership of Greg, known as Thelma Natalie Troia, the group became known as the "Camp Drag Queens of the South." Year after year, visitors return to see one of the most fun gay activities in Atlanta. The world came to know and love The Armorettes, the Drag Races, Thelma's Pump Room, Jello Shooters, Miss Barfly, Homecoming, and the many wonderful men who collectively make up the 29 years of the camp cast. Through the years, the Armorettes have brought many hours of fun, laughter, and support to the gay community. From the first shows which took place in the Armorys’ front room on bar stools and tables to the dedicated ‘Thelma's Pump Room” to the slick production of the stage at Backstreet and now their current down home feel at Burkhart’s, the dreams of Greg Troia and the original Armorettes have stood the test of time. The Armorettes are a unique group of individuals who are selected through interviews with current members and auditions in front of our patrons. The group is not paid for any of the countless hours of hard work and dedication they spend providing entertainment and promoting the many worthy benefits around the city. The Armorettes have performed in cities from New York to Miami to Los Angeles and Seattle, in Europe and Canada, and have maintained a regular commitment every Sunday night at 9:00 pm sharp in Atlanta. In 29 years over 58,000 numbers have been performed, hundreds of thousands of people have been entertained, and well over $ 1.7 million have been dropped in the bucket at the front of the stage. Countless shoes and wigs have been donned, and equally countless hours have been committed to make the community better for gays and lesbians. Several important factors remain consistent as the baton passes on to new generations of outstanding entertainers. The Armorettes always volunteer their time, always raise money for their community, and always end their shows with a soul-stirring version of United We Stand.

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