Check out these loving and joyful images of queer women from the Victorian Era.
Charlotte Cushman and Matilda Hays, a couple pictured from the 1850s.
“The Darned Club”, October 29, 1891. Alice Austen (left) and her three friends, Trudy Eccleston, Julia Marsh, and Sue Ripley at the Austen House gardens at Clear Comfort on Staten Island.
A couple from the 1890s.
Two African American women facing each other, ca. 1899.
Fellows. Cabinet Card ca. 1890.
A young couple seated in garden, ca. 1900s.
ca. 1900s
Anna Moor and Elsie Dale pose for a photograph in 1900.
Lily Elise and Adrienne Augarde, 1907.
It’s nice to see that taboos did not restrain real lovers to kiss and keep mementos, even if they kept those hidden…
Lesbians have always been around. Men used to like their prospective wives to be with one for a bit to get comfy with their bodies.
Isabella Grace and Florence Elizabeth on the Balcony of 5 Princes Gardens, London, ca. 1862.
Mount Holyoke students, circa 1887 A studio shot of Kitty Ely class of 1887 (left) and Helen Emory class of 1889.
Mary and her “friend” Ruth, 1910.