Dean Johnson (1961–2007) moved to New York City in 1979 to study film at New York University, and quickly became an iconic figure in the New York City Downtown club scene. Johnson, at six foot six inches tall with a shaved head, was known for wearing tight dresses, huge sunglasses, and drop earrings. Working as a party and club promoter beginning in the 1980s, Johnson played an influential role in the emergence of the gay rock and roll subculture in New York City. He organized parties such as the Rock and Roll Fag Bar, Pubic Hair Club for Men, and HomoCorps, a gay themed night at CBGB. Johnson fronted two bands, Dean and the Weenies and the Velvet Mafia, playing the downtown club circuit and events such as Wigstock. He was also featured in two films depicting the underground New York Scene, "Mondo New York" and "Freaks, Glam Gods and Rock Stars." Johnson was open about his work in the sex industry, and lived H.I.V. positive for two decades. In later years, Johnson explored blogging and writing, and hosted various readings where he and other writers presented their work. In 2007, Johnson died of an apparent drug overdose in Washington, DC, at the age of 46.

Sources:

Buckley, Cara. "Disquieting Death Stills the Night Life." The New York Times, October 14, 2007.

Schindler, Paul. "Dean Johnson, 45, gay party promoter on Downtown scene." The Villager, October 10 - 16, 2007.

Moynihan, Colin. "A Fond and Boisterous Memorial Is Held for a Symbol of Gay Night Life." The New York Times, October 5, 2007.