Deborah Sampson aka Robert Shurtleff (with Greta LaFleur)

Vulgar History

This season on Vulgar History, we're investigating How Do You Solve A Problem Like Marie Antoinette? To do so, we're looking at the lives of people who lived during the revolutionary era of the 18th century.

In honour of Pride Month, this week we're talking about trans historical figure Deborah Sampson/Robert Shurtleff. Deborah/Robert fought in the American Revolution in a sort of Mulan scenario and their gender presentation has lots to discuss.

Greta LaFleur, associate professor of American studies at Yale University, is our guest this week to help explain Deborah/Robert's story and offer an introduction to the American Revolution.

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Organizations to Support:

Greta recommends supporting the Trans Justice Funding Project (US)

Ann recommends supporting:

Point of Pride (US)

Trans Care+ (Canada)

The Trevor Project (US)

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References:

The Natural History of Sexuality in Early America by Greta LaFleur

Trans Historical: Gender Plurality Before the Modern, co-edited by Greta LaFleur

Deborah Sampson essay by Harry M. Ward from Women in World History

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