I think gay men just liked her cabaret club acts and she responded to them warmly and cheerfully….she was slightly outrageous with her makeup and costumes which added to the appeal…plus she had her personal struggles that made her relatable
Now Liza Minelli has the same following
“I think gay men just liked her cabaret club acts and she responded to them warmly and cheerfully….she was slightly outrageous with her makeup and costumes which added to the appeal…plus she had her personal struggles that made her relatable. Now Liza Minelli has the same following”
In its own way, Cher seems like she has a solid following among gay men for many of the same reasons.
I hate to use the sitcom “Will & Grace” as an example, but in the show, the really flamboyant gay guy (Jack) idolizes Cher.
That's what it really comes down to.
Mostly, they liked her show outfits/costumes, and recreated them in their drag shows.
Garland didn't have the classic female form like Marilyn Monroe, Betty Grable, or other wartime female icons. She wasn't the most feminine looking female star, so the male characteristics of the drag performers were softened by looking like Garland in their shows.
I think the same thing is true for Cher, which is why many drag performers dress as her, too. Cher has a history of flamboyant costumes and a face with masculine features (IMHO).
-PJ