Was J. Edgar Hoover’s cross-dressing an urban legend or a fact? Are there any pictures of him in drag? Where are they if there are/were any? I have never been able to find any info on this except small references in conspiracy books. –Cate
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One more example of how the oligarchs plot to keep the truth from us, you’re thinking–not that this is something you necessarily want to see covered in sixth grade social studies. But as a matter of fact, the alleged transvestitism of John Edgar Hoover, director of the FBI from 1924 until his death in 1972, has never been established, and reputable historians say it’s an urban legend. The story probably got its start because of much more plausible rumors that J. Edgar was gay. He and his right-hand man, Clyde Tolson, were constant companions for more than 40 years, even vacationing together, and both were lifelong bachelors. (Hoover lived with his mom until she died in 1938.) Richard Nixon, on hearing of Hoover’s death, supposedly exclaimed (with his customary delicacy), “Jesus Christ! That old cocksucker!”
Summers also claims that the FBI gave the Mafia a pass for many years because mob boss Meyer Lansky had a photo of Hoover and Tolson having sex. (Apparently a photo of two men humping on a beach did exist, but one source who claims he saw it says it was too blurry to permit the men to be identified.) Though Hoover did appear reluctant to go after organized crime, most observers think that was because he preferred easy targets to bulk up his arrest records. Once ordered to take on the mob by Robert Kennedy, Hoover pursued Lansky in particular with zeal–irrational behavior if Lansky could expose him. Maas also wrote that when he asked Lansky’s closest associate about the photo, the old mafioso replied, “Are you nuts?”
