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Photograph of a Group of Cross-Dressed Chicago Women

 Collection
Identifier: 2025-018
  • No requestable containers

Scope and Contents

This collection contains a silver gelatin photograph of thirteen cross-dressed women gathered around a pool table, smiling as they enjoy beers and cigars. The subjects are dressed in suits, ties, vests, and top hats and are posing in traditionally masculine stances.

Dates

  • Creation: 1915

Conditions Governing Access

Collection is open for research. Researchers must register and agree to copyright and privacy laws before using this collection. Manuscript collections and archival records may contain materials with sensitive or confidential information that is protected under federal or state right to privacy laws and regulations. Due to the nature of certain archival formats, including digital and audio-visual materials, access to certain materials may require additional advance notice.

Conditions Governing Use

Researchers are responsible for using the materials in conformance with United States copyright law as well as any donor restrictions accompanying the materials. The user assumes all responsibility for identifying and satisfying any copyright claimants in collection materials. Copyright for official University records is held by The University of Alabama. The library claims only physical ownership of many manuscript collections. Anyone wishing to broadcast or publish this material must assume all responsibility for identifying and satisfying any claimants of literary property rights or copyrights. Please contact Special Collections (archives@ua.edu) with questions regarding specific manuscript collections.

For more information about copyright policy, please visit: https://www.ua.edu/copyright/. Any materials used for academic research or otherwise should be fully credited with the source.

Researchers are advised that the disclosure of certain information pertaining to identifiable living individuals without the consent of those individuals may have legal implications, for which the University of Alabama assumes no responsibility.

Biographical / Historical

Cross-dressing has a long and complex history in the United States, appearing in various social, theatrical, and personal contexts. While gender nonconformity was often stigmatized, spaces existed where individuals could express themselves outside of traditional gender norms. Without further context, the specific motivations behind this gathering remain unclear, but such images contribute to a broader understanding of gender presentation, social customs, and community dynamics in history.

Extent

.209 Linear Feet

Language of Materials

English

Immediate Source of Acquisition

The University of Alabama Libraries acquired the Photograph of a Group of Cross-Dressed Chicago Women from D. Anthem in 2019.

Processing Information

Processed by Donovan Balderama, March 2025.

Title
Guide to the Photograph of a Group of Cross-Dressed Chicago Women
Status
Completed
Author
Finding aid created by Donovan Balderama, April 2025.
Date
April 2025
Description rules
Describing Archives: A Content Standard
Language of description
English
Script of description
Latin

Repository Details

Part of the The University of Alabama Libraries Special Collections Repository

Contact:
Box 870266
Tuscaloosa AL 35487-0266
205.348.0513