Stuff You Should Know Short Stuff: Women Pirates
Jan 18, 2023
The Golden Age of Pirates wasn't just a man's game; women like Anne Bonny and Mary Read carved their own paths on the high seas. These daring pirates defied societal norms, facing superstitions while executing clever strategies for survival. Their stories challenge historical narratives, often distorted by fiction. From audacious adventures to brilliant escapes, learn about the dynamic lives of these pirate queens and their lasting legacies in a male-dominated world.
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Pirates and the Queer Community
- The TV show Our Flag Means Death inspired Chuck to research queer representation in pirate history.
- He found pirate ships may have been havens for some LGBTQ+ individuals in the 17th century.
Women Pirates
- Women pirates Anne Bonny and Mary Reed were known for being skilled fighters.
- Despite the bad luck associated with women on ships, their crew knew their gender and respected their toughness.
Anne Bonny's Early Life
- Anne Bonny, born in Ireland, had a difficult childhood as the illegitimate daughter of an attorney.
- To hide the scandal, her father dressed her as a boy and later moved with her and her mother to Carolina.
