Think Out Loud Oregon Historical Society exhibit explores transgender history in the American West
Dec 6, 2024
Peter Boag, a professor and Columbia Chair in the History of the American West at Washington State University Vancouver, co-curated the exhibit 'Crossing Boundaries: Portraits of a Transgender West'. He discusses the complex histories of transgender lives in the American West, highlighting the pioneers Alan Hart and Joe Monaghan. The conversation navigates the challenges of documenting these narratives and emphasizes the significance of visibility and acceptance in both past and present contexts. Boag's insights shed light on historical discrimination and the evolving dialogue on trans rights.
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Identifying Trans Individuals Historically
- Identifying trans individuals historically is challenging due to the lack of modern terminology.
- Boag identified trans individuals by examining their lived experiences and consistent gender identity over time.
Unintentional Outing Through News Articles
- Many historical trans individuals were unintentionally outed by national news articles.
- These articles, often on the front page, detailed their lives and gender identities, becoming a primary source for the exhibit.
Societal Anxieties and Gender Norms
- The exhibit’s era coincided with societal anxieties about changing gender norms and the perceived rise of sexual inverts.
- This fascination with non-normative gender expression stemmed from a broader concern about societal shifts and the perceived decline of traditional American values.
