Betwixt The Sheets: The History of Sex, Scandal & Society Queer Georgians
Sep 12, 2025
In this engaging discussion, Dr. Anthony Delaney, an expert on queer history and co-host of the After Dark podcast, uncovers the hidden narratives of queer individuals in Georgian Britain. He dives into the fascinating life of Chevalier d'Eon, exploring their unique gender identity and status as a transgender trailblazer. The conversation also touches on societal norms of the time, the challenges faced by figures like the resilient Mary Jones, and the broader implications of queerness in a rapidly changing world.
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Meeting Paul O'Grady
- Anthony Delaney recounts meeting Paul O'Grady in 2011 while fresh out of drama school and later dedicating his book to him.
- He describes Paul as a generous friend and an 'icon' who connected queer generations.
Non-Binary Awareness In Georgian Thought
- Georgians recognised more than a binary sex/gender system, including a notion of a 'third sex'.
- This openness didn't equal tolerance, especially when political power or punishments were involved.
Anachronisms As Communication Tools
- Using anachronistic labels like 'queer' is a necessary tool for communicating historical patterns to modern audiences.
- Historians routinely use such terms while acknowledging they differ from lived self-identification at the time.
