Lee Brewster
Lee G. Brewster (April 27, 1943 - May 19, 2000) was a well-known gay and transgender advocate, activist, merchant, and event promoter. Lee was best known in the TG community as the proprietor of Lee's Mardi Gras Boutque, which is regarded as the world's first open-to-the-public TG specialty shop. Lee began with mail order only, operating from a back room of the International Record Shop on 10th. Avenue in Manhattan. In early 1976, Lee opened a walk-in boutique a few blocks south. In the early 1990s the boutique moved to the well-known location on West 14th., keeping the 10th. Avenue shop open for publications.
Lee was active with the New York chapter of the Mattachine Society, one of the world's
Lee was co-founder of the Queens Liberation Front (QLF), one of the first transgender advocacy organizations. QLF was highly involved in the repealing of New York City's anti-crossdressing laws in the early 1970s.
Lee also founded Queens Publications, publisher of Drag Magazine, beginning in 1973.
Lee died of cancer in May of 2000 at age 57.
