Member-only story
Another Historically Significant Queer Woman You’ve Never Hear of
Forty years after Americans signed the Declaration of Independence, during a time when (white, rich) people started to have the luxury to get bored again, they decided to create some kind of culture for themselves. The theater was a spicy place at the time that some people thought was sinful, while others were just trying to watch women in mustaches act out Shakespeare in peace. One of those mustachioed women was America’s very first celebrity, Charlotte Cushman, who also happened to be a queer (surprise surprise).
Cushman officially became America’s first celeb after playing Romeo in a performance of Romeo & Juliet in London. Juliet was played by her sister which is gross but I guess normal at the time. This performance launched Cushman to real stardom. People said she was a “better man than most men” and she was named “the greatest living actress.” Some of her famous fans included Lincoln and Queen Victoria.
On her off hours, Cushman enjoyed hanging out with her “female friends,” aka queer luvvers. She had covert romantic relationships with writers and artists, like Emma Stebbins, who created the Bethesda Fountain in Central Park. Fun fact, the angel on top of the Bethesda Fountain is inspired by Cushman herself! Gay herstory!!
