Ridiculous History
CLASSIC: Fanny and Stella: The Cross-Dressing Scandal of Victorian England
Mar 29, 2025
Dive into the audacious tale of Fanny and Stella, two men arrested for cross-dressing in Victorian England. Their sensational trial in 1870 sparked a moral panic and shone a light on gender identity issues of the time. Discover how their theatrical endeavors challenged societal norms and the deep bond they shared amidst adversity. The podcast also delves into the absurdities of the legal system and the media frenzy surrounding their case, revealing a captivating glimpse into LGBTQ+ history.
36:13
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Quick takeaways
- Fanny and Stella's trial in 1870 challenged Victorian gender norms, highlighting society's conflict between personal expression and strict societal expectations.
- The media's sensational portrayal of Fanny and Stella sparked national debate on gender identity, paving the way for future discussions about LGBTQ+ rights in England.
Deep dives
The Spectacle of Fanny and Stella
In April 1870, two men, Frederick Park and Ernest Boulton, known as Fanny and Stella, were arrested for their refusal to dress according to societal gender norms. Their flamboyant lifestyle and cross-dressing practices sparked a moral panic in Victorian England, challenging the stringent gender roles of the time. The court case quickly turned into a media spectacle, with the public fascinated by the trial and the unconventional lives of the two men who often performed female roles in theater. This incident highlights society's struggles with gender identity and opens a discourse on the tensions between personal expression and societal expectations.
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