Nov
30

Lucy Hicks Anderson: Fearlessly Female

Known for her smashing parties, lighter-than-air souffles and comedic wit, Lucy Hicks Anderson never let anyone tell her how to live her life – not even the courts. When her gender was put on trial in the 1940s, she became one of the first documented Black transgender figures in American history.

Graphic for Sidedoor 8.12 showing Lucy Hicks Anderson in purple suit

Lucy Hicks Anderson enjoyed being in the limelight. At a time when gender often defined one’s role in society, she gained notoriety as a talented hostess, prize-winning cook, successful businesswoman, and generous philanthropist. But when Lucy’s story made headlines in 1945, it wasn’t for her elegant dinner parties or delicious desserts… it was simply for being herself.

This time on Sidedoor, we investigate the trial of Lucy Hicks Anderson, one of the first documented Black transgender figures in American history.

Newspaper clipping headlined "Iwill die a woman"
Clipping of the Oxnard Press-Courier’s coverage of Lucy Hicks Anderson’s courtroom trial, November 24, 1945. Anderson is quoted in part as saying “I defy any doctor in the world to prove that I am not a woman. I have lived, dressed, acted just what I am, a woman. It’s only petty maliciousness that is trying to cause me heartache and harm.” Google news archive.

Guests

  • C. Riley Snorton – Professor of English and Gender & Sexuality Studies at the University of Chicago and author of Black on Both Sides: A Racial History of Trans Identity
  • Ashleigh Coren – Acting Head of Education for the Smithsonian American Women’s History Initiative

Listen Now

Learn more

Black and white photo of Lucy Hicks Anderson standing beside car between two deputies
Lucy Hicks Anderson stands with Deputy Sheriff H.E. Bowman (left) and Deputy Sheriff Charles Salig (right), circa 1945. Back of the photo is marked “Bowman, Supt. Bureau of Identification – Sheriff’s Office Ventura County, Calif.” Courtesy of the research library at the Museum of Ventura County.

Related posts:

Screenshot of appTwo Smithsonian museums recognized with international design awards Two women, a cat, a car and a mission Sausage and pineapple pizzaTwenty Questions for 2020 Engraving of Grover Cleveland (1837-1908), President of the United States, 1885-1889, 1893-1897Today in Smithsonian History: June 16, 1896

Posted: 30 November 2022
About the Author:

Jessica Sadeq has worked in the Central Office of Public Affairs since June 2007. She is the Marketing Manager for the Office of Communications and External Affairs.