Gender Cross Dressing in the 1980s

The 1980s was unique for many things but one of the most different styles to take place was the 'gender bender' phase as coined by the popular press. The pioneer undoubtedly was Boy George of Culture Club. His extraordinary career exploded with the formation of his band. There unique style of cross dressing and white soul music with hits like 'do you really want to hurt me' and 'Karma Chameleon'. The band didn't seek controversy but interest built up as a man dressing as a women in the public domain was almost unheard of, particularly in the music industry. However, with George being the pioneer of this movement this opened the doors for others to follow suit and by the end of the 1980s it was almost accepted as part of the norm which then doesn't have its same flamboyancy and edge. Next on the scene was Georges best pal Marilyn who released the massive hit 'Calling your name' which made the top 10 but that was as good as it got for Marilyn, who career went on a down slide. Also Boy George Career took a nosedive after bitter arguments in the band, he then left, went solo and fell from grace after his addiction to Heroin. But like a true trooper he returned stronger and became a DJ and wrote the west end musical Taboo to great acclaim.
Next to follow was Pete Burns and his offering of 'You spin me around' and 'in too deep' with his band Dead or Alive. They incorporated a much different look with crimped hair and bold make up but that didn't stop them getting a number one with the help of Stock Aitken and Waterman. The Band enjoyed limited success before Pete Burns returned a decade or two later with various operations to perfect his look and became a TV reality star.
Lastly Divine an American who enjoyed an international hit via Stock Aitken Waterman production skills with 'you think your a man' who then sadly at the peak of his high energy disco sound died. It is fair to say these guys broke the boundaries and encouraged others to express themselves musically and experiment with looks. The modern day is littered with different looks such as Lady GaGa and they certainly spiced things up.