Betwixt The Sheets: The History of Sex, Scandal & Society Medieval Lesbians
Jan 17, 2025
Tess Wingard, a medieval historian and author of "Unclean Beasts," joins to unravel the hidden stories of lesbian relationships in the medieval era. They discuss the surprising documentation of same-sex love, including a scandal involving a dildo in a court case. The conversation highlights the male-run church's fears over nuns' closeness and challenges historians face in uncovering these intimate histories. Wingard also touches on intriguing cases like Katharina Hetzeldorf, showcasing how courage and love defied the oppressive norms of their time.
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Medieval Lesbian Clues
- Finding pre-1970s queer history is challenging, but clues exist.
- The memorial brass of Elizabeth Etchingham and Agnes Oxenbridge hints at medieval lesbian life.
Medieval Societal Shifts
- Two major changes occurred around 1200-1300: the Fourth Lateran Council and new ideas about animals.
- The council mandated yearly confession, leading to classifying sinful behaviors.
Etchingham and Oxenbridge
- Elizabeth Etchingham and Agnes Oxenbridge are memorialized together on a brass plaque, gazing at each other.
- This design, typically for married couples, suggests intimacy beyond friendship.
