🌈 We are all friends of Dorothy! 🎤🎶
“Friends of Dorothy” is a mid-20th-century slang term used in the gay community as a coded reference for sexual orientation. It was inspired by Dorothy Gale from “The Wizard of Oz” and gained popularity during a time of heavy stigma and criminalization of homosexuality. This discreet language allowed LGBTQ+ individuals to identify one another.
Over the years, many songs have become associated with the fight for diversity and inclusion, but “Over the Rainbow” from “The Wizard of Oz” is considered by many as the anthem for this community. It emerged during a time when this group was heavily stigmatized and marginalized. The lyrics speak to a longing for a better, more accepting world beyond the constraints of the present reality.
Although the use of “friends of Dorothy” is less common today, it remains historically significant, symbolizing solidarity and camaraderie. It serves as a reminder of past challenges and the progress made towards acceptance and equality.