Gender-bending vintage photography

March 14, 2017 10:01 AM

Transgender and gender non-conforming people aren't new, of course. Vintage photos show that people have been defying norms for a long time, even if only in the photo studio. It's not clear which of these people are actually transgender, cross-dressing, doing it for political reasons, or just having a lark. But they're fun and sometimes glamorous. (more Paris glamor) [some outdated terminology, potential misgendering]

A note on terminology: "Transgender women are not cross-dressers or drag queens. Drag queens are men, typically gay men, who dress like women for the purpose of entertainment. Be aware of the differences between transgender women, cross-dressers, and drag queens."

posted by AFABulous (16 comments total)

These are great.
posted by cortex at 10:32 AM on March 14, 2017

There's something about Marie Høeg's eyes that makes me wonder if Kate McKinnon has ever had her family tree done.
posted by Halloween Jack at 10:39 AM on March 14, 2017

I'm really surprised by the masculine cut of of Høeg's hair, especially in this picture. I wonder what kind of reception that haircut got in public. Drag kings generally slicked theirs back instead of cutting it that short. But Høeg has the exact same cut as mine.
posted by AFABulous at 10:45 AM on March 14, 2017

Great post. I generally take issue with the argument presented in the drag king article that queens get more attention because of sexism. I think it's a lot more complicated than that: femininity as spectacle, AMAB gender transgression as more dangerous, etc. The argument really gets weak when people complain that trans women get more attention than trans men. I just have to sit back, nod my head, and ask, "What kind of attention is that, again?"
posted by lilies.lilies at 10:51 AM on March 14, 2017 [3 favorites]

I think I might be a teensy bit obsessed now with Marie Høeg.
posted by thivaia at 10:53 AM on March 14, 2017 [5 favorites]

So... many... bow... ties...
posted by Samizdata at 10:54 AM on March 14, 2017

lilies.lilies, as a trans man, I agree about 95%. The 5% is that I wish that there had been more awareness of trans men when I was a kid. I knew of the existence of trans women (even though they were mostly a punchline at best), but I probably would've transitioned as a teen if I had known.

But you're definitely 95% correct. I'm grateful I can slip under the radar and not draw the degree of hostility and danger. Trans men need to stop complaining and stand up for trans women.
posted by AFABulous at 10:57 AM on March 14, 2017 [10 favorites]

AFABulous, I hear you. I wish someone would have sat me down at 11 and been like, "SO, here are your options!"
posted by lilies.lilies at 11:02 AM on March 14, 2017 [2 favorites]

Those photos of Marie Høeg are mesmerizing. The one of her with her back turned to the camera, wearing what I think are men's long johns, reminds me of Catherine Opie - all that power and vulnerability.
posted by minervous at 11:10 AM on March 14, 2017 [2 favorites]

1800s: A man and woman in switched outfits. One can presume this was more for a lark than any other purpose.

Yes, one can... presume... that.
posted by GenjiandProust at 11:10 AM on March 14, 2017 [3 favorites]

This is so good, thank you.
posted by donnagirl at 12:53 PM on March 14, 2017

1800s: A man and woman in switched outfits. One can presume this was more for a lark than any other purpose.

Yes, one can... presume... that.
posted by GenjiandProust at 11:10 AM on March 14 [1 favorite +] [!]

I thought that too, GenjiandProust. It seems like an expensive lark, because the clothes clearly weren't "switched"--they actually fit. Though the dress needs ironing, the sleeves and hems are the right length, etc. That suit fits the woman to a T, and looks like it was custom made for her. (I want that suit.)
posted by pangolin party at 3:28 PM on March 14, 2017

Group photo - Men dressed as Women, Women Dressed as Men

And some bonus saucy,

Female Peeping Toms
posted by PussKillian at 5:32 PM on March 14, 2017 [1 favorite]

These are wonderful, thank you!
posted by Pax at 5:45 PM on March 14, 2017

That suit fits the woman to a T, and looks like it was custom made for her.

argh, I'm really sorry but I happen to know that particular photo is 'shopped-- I've seen the original, with the heads swapped around. Let me see if I can find it-- I know I reblogged a tumblr post about it at some point, to add the same correction.
posted by nonasuch at 1:35 PM on March 15, 2017

Ah: found it.
posted by nonasuch at 1:43 PM on March 15, 2017