Large Cross-Dressing and Queer Gender Expression Photo Archive, 1890s-1910s

Cross-Dressing, Early Photography

Beschreibung

[Cross-Dressing] [Early Photography] 18 black and white and sepia photographs from the turn of the century including queer gender expression. Measurements range from 2.5" x 3.5" to 3.5" x 5.5". Photographs show both cis-men and women cross-dressing publicly and with both family and friends. Many of the photographs are series of the same people in various settings or with friends. One series identifies a cis-man by the name of "Clyde Lewis" in five photographs identifying the family members they're seated with. Clyde wears a 1920s pleated shift dress, ruffled knee stockings, pumps, a cloche, and jewelry. Clyde is photographed laughing, smiling, and being endearingly intimate with family of all ages and genders in this outfit indicating the families' acceptance of their gender-expression. The group family photo identifies each person dividing surnames by "Lewis" and "Henley", Clyde's hand is lovingly placed on Claude Henley's chest and their head rested on his shoulder while Claude smiles and has his hand wrapped around Clyde's waist. One individual photograph shows Claude seated on Clyde's lap as they laugh and hold hands. Three sepia photographs from the early 1900s shows a cis-man and cis-woman in clothing of the opposite sex posed arm in arm, with one photograph showing the pair interlaced and eyes locked, potentially implying a romantic gaze. Four other photos show a group of four cis-women, two in women's dresses and two in men's pinstriped suits and straw boating hats with their hair pinned inside. The couples are posed affectionately with one group shot standing in front of a pile of logs clinking alcoholic beverages together, two people outside of the group are shown partly out of frame. Anti-cross-dressing and anti "masquerading" legislation was passed in many cities across the U.S. in the late 1800s, making those pictured not only in rebellion against societal norms but possibly against explicit laws made to restrict non-conformation. Minor edge wear but overall very good condition. This archive includes several different forms of gender expression in a time when any instance of queer action was rarely displayed in public. Very scarce this early.

Bestandsnummer des Verkäufers 20677

Bibliografische Details

• Titel: Large Cross-Dressing and Queer Gender Expression Photo Archive, 1890s-1910s
• Verkäuferkataloge:
  • Photography
  • Marginalized Groups
  • LGBTQ