Reexamining Suffrage History: The Centennial of the 19th Amendment

The Centennial of the 19th Amendment and the Reexamination of Suffrage History

The 100th anniversary of the 19th Amendment, which enfranchised women in the United States, has prompted historians to reexamine the suffrage movement with fresh perspectives, including the contributions of LGBTQ individuals. This reevaluation, often referred to as "queering the suffrage movement," aims to uncover the rich tapestry of experiences and narratives that have been overshadowed by the dominant historical focus on a narrow subset of suffragists. Scholars such as Wendy Rouse and Susan Ware have highlighted the significance of acknowledging the full spectrum of gender expressions and relationships within the movement, thereby challenging the conventional portrayal and enriching our understanding of its diversity and complexity.

Gender Norms and the Suffragists' Public and Private Lives

Suffragists not only publicly defied traditional gender roles through their activism and attire but also privately navigated complex personal lives, including same-sex relationships that were often concealed due to societal norms. For example, African-American suffragist Alice Dunbar-Nelson, who was active in the Congressional Union (later the National Woman's Party), had relationships with women. The phenomenon of "Boston Marriages," where women lived together in committed partnerships, was present among suffragists such as Carrie Chapman Catt and Mary Garrett Hay, and Jane Addams and Mary Rozet Smith. These partnerships, whether platonic or romantic, were a significant aspect of the suffragists' personal lives and contributed to the fabric of the movement.

The Role of Same-Sex Relationships Among Suffrage Leaders

The leadership of the suffrage movement was marked by notable same-sex relationships that provided both emotional sustenance and practical support for their political work. Pairs such as Susan B. Anthony and Emily Gross, Dr. Anna Howard-Shaw and Lucy Anthony, and Alice Stone Blackwell and Kitty Barry exemplify the deep bonds formed between women in the movement. Additionally, many leaders of the National Woman's Party, including Alma Lutz and Marguerite Smith, Jeanette Marks and Mary Wooley, and Mabel Vernon and Consuelo Reyes, shared households and collaborated closely. These relationships underscore the interconnectedness and mutual support that were integral to the suffrage movement's success.

Acknowledging Gender Diversity Within the Suffrage Movement

The initiative to "queer" the suffrage movement is not an attempt to retroactively label historical figures but rather to recognize the existence of a spectrum of gender identities and expressions among activists. This inclusive historical approach allows for a more comprehensive understanding of the movement by acknowledging the contributions of individuals with diverse gender identities. It challenges the oversimplified image of the suffragists and broadens the narrative to include a wider array of voices and experiences, thereby enhancing our grasp of the historical quest for women's rights.

The Enduring Influence of Queer Suffragists and the Quest for Equality

The contemporary effort to integrate LGBTQ narratives into the history of the suffrage movement is part of a larger endeavor to revisit and reinterpret the past with greater inclusivity and complexity. This approach not only sheds light on the contributions of LGBTQ individuals but also underscores the multifaceted nature of the movement. As we commemorate the centennial of the 19th Amendment, it is an opportune moment to reflect on the strides made toward equality and to acknowledge the ongoing challenges in the fight for a more just society. The legacy of queer suffragists is a testament to the enduring intersectionality of social justice movements and the importance of recognizing the diverse individuals who have shaped our history.