The Ladies and Gentlemen complete portfolio by Andy Warhol consists of ten screen printed portraits of Black and Latinx drag queens and trans-women. Italian art dealer Luciano Anselmino commissioned the portfolio, suggesting that Warhol create a series of “impersonal, anonymous” portraits of drag queens and trans-women. A nod to the theatrics of drag shows, Anselmino supplied the title, “Ladies and Gentlemen.” The Ladies and Gentlemen portfolio is one of Warhol’s most unique works, although it employs many of his trademark methods.

Warhol’s colleague and Interview magazine editor Bob Colacello scouted many of the models from a nearby club called The Gilded Grape. Located on 8th Avenue in Manhattan, the bar became a popular establishment with local Black and Latinx trans-women and drag queens. It was also close to Warhol’s studio, The Factory, where the photo shoots for the series took place.