The Real Gladys Bentley
Gladys Bentley, a prominent figure of the Harlem Renaissance, was a gender non-conforming Black woman who faced significant societal challenges. Born in 1907, she became a popular entertainer, performing in men's attire and celebrating her queer identity.
The First Queen of Drag
William Dorsey Swann, the first self-proclaimed drag queen, was born into slavery in 1860. He organized drag balls for formerly enslaved men in Washington D.C., despite societal prejudice. Swann faced multiple arrests for cross-dressing, symbolizing early LGBT+ resistance. His legacy highlights the
Behind Lili Elbe
Lili Elbe was a truly pioneering person. She was a creative, determined Danish woman. She made rational, if historic, decisions about her own body because she wanted to - and because she had the means.
Boston Marriages: A Brief History
In a time when marriage to a man was more about survival, expectation, and tradition, Boston Marriages offered women an alternative: independence, companionship, and in many cases, private, quiet romances.