fitz-higgins

[fitz-higgins]

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[fitz-higgins]

For decades researchers, medics, and homosexual men and women alike tried to figure out certain signs of one's homosexuality. If five men out of 40 told a researcher that they loved green, it was enough for the science of the time to decide that this was one of those signs. Sometimes the beliefs bordered on ridiculous, and here are just nine examples from the late 19th century up to the 1960s.

Sources: Studies in the Psychology of Sex, Vol. 2, Havelock Ellis; Les perversions l'instinct génital (about gossiping), Albert Moll; Autobiography of an Androgyne, Earl Lind; The evolution and dissolution of the sexual instinct, Charles Féré; Intermediate Types among Primitive Folk, Edward Carpenter; Le côté de Guermantes, Marcel Proust; The Physiology of Sex, Kenneth Walker; Strangers: Homosexual Love in the Nineteenth Century, Graham Robb

#queer history #gay history #lesbian history #lgbt history #lgbtq history #blog: history

[fitz-higgins]

If you love LGBTQ+ history, the Edwardian era and all things WW1, there's a new cosy Discord server just for you. You can join it here. We've got history geeks, games, recommendations to share, favourite blorbos and OCs to discuss and plenty of ideas. We'll be happy to see everyone!

#edwardian era #1910s #queer history #gay history #lgbt history

[fitz-higgins]

As a sophisticated cat, 'Enery was, of course, above climbing Christmas trees. But every so often a quiet jingle would come from the library, particularly after Monty and Henry put on recently bought decorations. Because every new thing in the Fitz-Higgins household had to be sniffed and touched by its main keeper. Especially when these new things hang so low, glisten in the numerous lights, and just ask for a gentle touch.

[Art by Dafna]

#art #1910s #edwardian era #christmas #christmas tree #cats #'enery #blog: arts #stories and scenes

[fitz-higgins]

Every Monty and Henry's (or mainly Monty's) shopping spree inevitably turned into a battle of rationality and impulse. Monty, ready to buy everything that catches his eye in an instance, was the impulse. Henry, silently praying for Monty’s interest to dissipate faster than his, Henry’s, patience, was the rationality. Each battle was totally unpredictable. Henry might have won that time when he persuaded his lover that they did not need a musical saw, what on earth are you going to do with it, Monty. But this time Monty won. And his prize was a decorative palm tree.

It turned out that he had been wanting to get one for months. The benefits of a palm tree at home weren’t easy to explain, but Monty described how wonderful it would look in the library – the room both lovers were fond of. And Henry loved plants so much, their little garden wouldn’t be so magnificent without his care. Besides, ‘Enery would be delighted to have a smaller garden indoors, when it was cold or raining, for example. At this, ‘Enery meowed, looking up at Henry, and Henry gave up. And so the eccentric trio brought the newly acquired plant home. It matched the toy giraffe Geoffrey, Monty concluded, and was perfect for indoors picnics.

[Art by Reist]

#art tag #art #oc art #1910s #edwardian era #gay romance #queer art #queer characters #queer fiction #blog: arts #stories and scenes #monty and henry #'enery

[fitz-higgins]

Buying a new gramophone was an idea that has been floating around the Fitz-Higgins household for a while. And finally, on November 18, 1916, a new shiny gramophone indeed graced the library. Because it was Henry’s birthday, and just a few weeks before they spotted a new model which they both liked. A mere “Yes, it’s very elegant” from his lover was enough for Monty to decide on the present. In addition, he bought a record with two English music hall songs, to remind Henry of his homeland. And also three boxes of all sorts of desserts, just because his lover had an adorable fondness for chocolate.

‘Enery, of course, approved of this present, as any sophisticated tabby would. And as the two men danced to the music coming out of their new gramophone, he dozed by it, adding contented purring as an accompaniment. 

None of them knew that it would be the last time they celebrated Henry’s birthday together until 1919.

[Art by Veresk]

#art #art tag #1910s #edwardian era #illustration #historical fiction #monty and henry #stories and scenes #blog: arts

[fitz-higgins]

“He has never gone away for so long…” Henry muttered, anxiety in his voice and look directed at the window.

Monty failed to comfort his lover with anything but a hug. He was just as worried.

It has been two hours since their cat ‘Enery disappeared. He frequently went out for walks all by himself, but they were short. No matter how many times his owners called him, there was no sight of the tabby.

“I’ll see outside,” Monty said at length and, after a small kiss, parted with Henry. They left the front door open, just in case ‘Enery would have trouble jumping on the window, although both dreaded to think what could cause him this trouble.

Monty was ready to throw a gloomy look at the empty pot, which was ‘Enery’s sleeping spot in their little garden, when he saw some grey cat brazenly basking in the sun there. The cat greeted him with a rather arrogant meow and closed his eyes.

“What are you doing here?! Go away!” Monty exclaimed irritably. This had no effect on the grey cat.

But it did alert Henry, and he hurried to Monty. “What’s- Oh.”

The two lovers stared at the cat who did not care a jot about them. Monty was close to vibrating on the spot with annoyance. How could this stray rogue get in their dear ‘Enery’s pot?! At any other time he would feed the cat with the best sausages, but now it seemed like sacrilege, no less.

Henry absolutely shared this sentiment and stepped forward. He waved his hand. “You can’t stay here, this is ‘Enery’s spot!”

Finally the cat noticed them, reacting with a sound of pure indignation. But he had no intention of leaving his comfortable bed. If anything, he looked like he had every right to stay there and the two men were out of their minds.

“We must remove him, Henry. What if ‘Enery comes back and… Well!” 

Having lived with Monty for years, Henry knew by now that “we must” in cases like this one meant that he had to do the job. “Now, old fellow,” he murmured, crouching in front of the pot. The cat did not look pleased, but refused to move even now. “Oh, he has a collar! I think it’s a he, at least.” 

“Great, an impudent neighbour’s cat is all we need here!” Monty grumbled and looked around, ready to glare daggers at the trespassers’ owners. But there was no one else nearby.

Thinking that he’d figure out the cat’s sex later, Henry began to carefully pick him up… but stopped, furrowing a brow in confusion. He looked at his palms. Something grey was left on them. “What… Oh dear, is that soot?!”

Monty immediately crouched beside his lover. It was indeed soot. They stared at the cat simultaneously, and the cat stared back at them. With that judging look that both of them knew oh so well. “‘Enery?!” Monty breathed out, as if he had seen a ghost, while Henry stroked the cat’s fur. More soot came off, revealing their own dear tabby, and there was no end to the lovers’ relief.

“How on earth we didn’t recognise him?” Henry laughed, taking ‘Enery in his arms, despite another indignant meow. Monty was ready to hug them both and he wondered the same thing. But they decided not to dwell on it, for it was rather embarrassing.

(Thanks to @aloeverawrites for inspiration!)

#'enery #monty and henry #stories and scenes

[fitz-higgins]

Monty’s thirtieth birthday on October 15, 1914 was at first not a very happy occasion on account of him turning, well, thirty. Which, in his eyes, was very old. But Henry knew how to make this day very special...

When they reached the library, Henry stopped and turned round, meeting the shining brown gaze which darted from his smiling face to the closed door behind him. One hand on the door handle, the other gently took Monty’s, pulling him in for a tender kiss. “Well, here we are. Close your eyes.”

Curious beyond measure, Monty obeyed. His heart started to beat faster the moment Henry drew away to guide him inside. “I’m not looking!” Monty assured quickly, pressing his free hand to his eyes for good measure. He felt a tad silly, but somehow it was exciting as well. A hundred of guesses flew through his head, and it did remind him of Christmases from his childhood. Tempted to lift the hand and peek at the room, Monty only pressed it firmer. “I didn’t realise our library is so large!” he commented jokingly, and the next second he felt that Henry came to a stop. “Is that it?” Monty removed his hand, but kept his eyes closed, ready to open them this very second. “Can I?..”

Henry eyed the biggest present of them all (for indeed there were several) by the bay window, illuminated by the morning light, and his grin widened. It had been tricky to get all four feet of it up to the attic and out again, but it was worth it for Monty’s reaction. Making sure it was right in his line of sight and therefore the first thing he saw, he nodded and stood behind him, speaking softly in his ear. “Yes, you can now, my love.”

As soon as Monty’s eyes opened they widened at the totally unexpected sight. A cute tall giraffe with a red scarf was standing in front of him. For a brief moment he even thought the giraffe was alive. “Is that... Oh dear, you remembered our visit to the zoo.” He laughed, delighted and tickled by Henry’s idea. Just a couple of months ago Monty was positively enamoured by a giraffe at the Los Angeles zoo, and Henry of course remembered this.  “Henry, you have surpassed yourself! Oh god, it can move around!” Monty rushed to the giraffe which was nearly as tall as him, and when he touched the long felt neck, he looked at Henry in absolute joy and elation. “It’s so soft! Almost like a real thing.” Another bewildered look at the toy. “And look at this scarf! He’s adorable!” Monty saw how Henry was beaming and chuckled. “What a present for one’s thirtieth birthday! Oh, I adore him, thank you!” Probably forgetting that there should be other presents, Monty caressed the giraffe’s side and then went to plant a sound kiss on Henry’s lips. “I think he should look perfect in this library. So wonderfully eccentric!”

“We can be even more eccentric together!” Henry pronounced, glowing at Monty’s kiss and how delighted he was with the giraffe. “You looked so happy with the giraffe in Los Angeles, I thought you’d like to have a little one with us at home.” The photograph he had taken of his husband at the zoo there was displayed on the shelves, added soon after their fabulous trip to Hawaii. “The scarf is such a lovely touch, isn’t it? The lady at the shop insisted he should have one because it’ll be winter soon and of course, I agreed!”

“Oh, how thoughtful of her!” Monty exclaims, already flitting back to the giraffe to have a better look at him. “These ears! Isn’t he cute? How on earth did you get him upstairs?!”“With a lot of huffing and puffing, I can tell you. I’m glad he's found a home here in our library, I must admit!” Giving Monty time to get acquainted with his new friend, Henry Henry retrieved their camera to photograph his lover. In his dressing gown and pyjamas, he really did look like an excited boy at Christmas, just sans the Christmas tree and decorations. “You look adorable with him, my love.”

[Art by Veresk]

#art #oc art #art tag #ocs #edwardian era #1910s #historical fiction #queer fiction #gay art #vintage toys #monty and henry #stories and scenes #blog: arts

[fitz-higgins]

It's National Coming Out Day, and did you know that coming out used to have a different meaning before World War Two?

Gay, or rather camp culture of the early 20th century drew a lot of inspiration from the high society culture. Fairies used titles like Duchess or Lady (you can read more about them here), drag balls and masquerades attracted hundreds of people, queer and straight, and there were even theatre and knitting clubs for fairies. And the tradition of introducing debutantes into the society took a form of coming out into the gay world. In general, it could mean joining the large, vibrant gay society of American cities, but in particular it referred to huge drag balls at which newcomers were introduced.

Like many elements of the pre-war queer culture, these balls became especially popular in the early 1930s, the so called pansy craze. There is a great collection of articles about them from the Baltimore Afro-American.

Until the 1960s, there was no such thing as a closet. Gay, lesbian, trans people just did not think that they lived in some prison: on the contrary, the world they knew was expansive. Living in these two very different worlds was more like a stage performance. Quoting George Chauncey's Gay New York,

“Gay people in the prewar years, then, did not speak of coming out of what we call the "gay closet" but rather of coming out into what they called "homosexual society" or the "gay world," a world neither so small, nor so isolated, nor, often, so hidden as "closet" implies” (p. 7).

As for the term coming out, it changed its meaning over time. At some point it was used to refer to the person's acceptance of their sexuality. Then it came to mean a person's first relationship. Only by the 1970s coming out became the practice of revealing one's sexuality to straight people.

#gay history #queer history #coming out #gay #gay culture #queer community #1930s #trans history #blog: history

[fitz-higgins]

We were tagged by @amielbjacobs to find the words struggle, harsh, quite, and page in the WIP, so here goes! (The linked bits are from the published part)

Struggle

“Oh, blast,” Monty heard Henry swear softly under his breath as he struggled with the phonograph. After some fraught moments, he got the thing working at last and the disembodied voice of a woman’s strange dialect began to fill the room. But Monty paid no mind to it, his look fixed on his friend who he somehow had to reach.

Harsh

Henry repressed a shiver as he thought about staying here alone. “What lonely lives these lighthouse keepers must have. To stay here amidst the salty sea and wind blowing harsh across your weather-beaten face,” he mused out loud, keeping 'Enery from sneaking past with his foot, as they ascended ever higher.

Quite

Neither did Henry see how Monty bit his lip absentmindedly, getting lost in his own thoughts. There was something attractive in this soft-spoken man. Getting attracted to men was nothing new for Monty, but this time it was different in the way he could not quite grasp. He didn’t want to drag Henry into bed. He wanted to drag him into the nearest café and listen to him discussing accents, vowels and… whatever else linguists talked about.

Page

Chuckling, Henry returned to his task while Monty returne likewise to his continued cleaning, marking another page of their book of domestic bliss, the quietness of the river punctuated by humming, half-remembered lyrics, and the occasional purring from their cat.

Not tagging anyone in particular (sorry!), but if you want to participate, here are the words: five, swim, decision, and relax

#tag game

[fitz-higgins]

LGBT literature of the 1860s–1910s. Part 5

After a long pause, the list is back! Here we have a couple of plays, accounts by two trans women, lesbian poetry, and more.

1. Despised and Rejected, by A.T. Fitzroy (Rose Allatini; 1918). A pacifist novel published during World War One? With gay and lesbian characters? Yes, that was sure to get people in trouble. Its publisher was fined and the judge called it “morally unhealthy and most pernicious”. So, Dennis is a young composer who hates violence and therefore refuses to go to war. He also suffers because he is a “musical man”, that is, gay, and loves Alan, art-loving son of a wealthy businessman. His friend Antoinette, meanwhile, is “strangely attracted” to a woman. Nevertheless, the two attempt to love each other. When the war begins, Alan appears in Dennis’ life again, and they try to avoid being sent to the front together. Alan also persuades Dennis to accept who he is. Edward Carpenter himself defended the novel, saying that “the book is also a plea for toleration of a very much misunderstood section of humanity”. Read online

2. Autobiography of an Androgyne, by Ralph Werther (1918). Ralph Werther, also known as Jennie June, wrote this autobiography for doctors, and it is very revealing. Being a New York fairy (male prostitute) and possibly a trans woman, they tell frankly about the city’s gay underworld of the early 20th century and their personal experience, which is sometimes too frank and dark perhaps, but all the more interesting. Read online 

3. Poems by Mikhail Kuzmin. Kuzmin was not just the author of Russia’s first gay novel, but also a poet. Many of his works were dedicated to or mentioned his lovers. I’d recommend Where Will I Find Words (in English and Russian), Night Was Done (both in English and Russian), from the 1906-1907 collection Love of This Summer (available fully in Russian), mostly based on his love affair with Pavel Maslov in 1906. And also If They Say (in English and Russian), which is a great statement.

4. The Loom of Youth, by Alec Waugh (1917). A semi-biographical novel based on Evelyn Waugh’s older brother’s experience at Sherborne School in Dorset. It is a story of Gordon Caruthers’ school years, from the age of 13 to 19, and it is full of different stories typical for public schools, be it pranks and cheating exams or dorm life and sports. Although the homosexual subject was quite understated, the author implied that it was a tradition and open secret in public schools. The book became popular and soon caused a great scandal. Worth noting that before that Alec was expelled for flirting with a boy.  Read online 

5. Two Speak Together, by Amy Lowell (1919). Lowell was a famous American poet and lesbian. Many of her poems were dedicated to her lover, actress Ada Dwyer Russell, specifically the section Two Speak Together from Pictures of the Floating World. These poems are infused with flower imagery, which wasn’t uncommon for lesbian poetry of the time. Read online

6. De berg van licht/The Mountain of Light, by Louis Couperus (1905-1906). Couperus is called the Dutch Oscar Wilde for a reason: this is one of the first decadent novels in Dutch literature. It is also a historical one, telling about a young androgynous Syrian priest Heliogabalus who then becomes a Roman Emperor. Homoerotism, hedonism, aestheticism: Couperus creates a very vivid world of Ancient Rome. He also covered the topic of androgyny in his novel Noodlot, which was mentioned in Part 3 of this list. Read online in Dutch 

7. Frühlings Erwachen/Spring Awakening/The Awakening of Spring, by Frank Wedekind (1891, first performed in 1906). This play criticized the sexually oppressive culture prevalent in Europe at the time through a collection of monologues and short scenes about several troubled teens. Each one of them struggles with their puberty, which often leads to a tragic end. Like in The Loom of Youth, homosexuality is not the central focus of the play, but one character, Hänschen, is homosexual and explores his sexuality through Shakespear and paintings. The play was later turned into a famous musical. Read online in German or in English

8. Twixt Earth and Stars, by Radclyffe Hall (1906). Though it wasn’t known to many at the time, these poems were dedicated to women, some to Hall’s actual lovers. Read online

9. The Secret Confessions of a Parisian: The Countess, 1850-1871, by Arthur Berloget (published in 1895). This account is similar to the Autobiography of an Androgyne, albeit shorter. The author nowadays is thought to be a trans woman. They describe their love for women’s dresses, the euphoria from wearing dresses, makeup and wigs, the life as a “female impersonator” in Parisian cafe-concerts, and their love affair with a fellow prisoner. The autobiography is not available online, but you can read it in Queer Lives: Men’s Autobiographies from Nineteenth-Century France by William Peniston and Nancy Erber.

10. At Saint Judas’s, by Henry Blake Fuller (1896). This is possibly the first American play about homosexuality. It is very short. An excited groom is waiting for his wedding ceremony in the company of his gloomy best man. They are former lovers, and this short scene is not going to end well… Read online

Previous part is here

#lgbt literature #lgbt fiction #queer history #queer fiction #lesbian literature #russian literature #gay literature #gay history #spring awakening #lesbian history #blog: history #blog: literature

[fitz-higgins]

There were far too many times when Monty had prompted this reaction from Henry...

[Art by Reist]

#art #1910s #edwardian era #blog: arts #henry

[fitz-higgins]

Not Married, But Willing to Be: A Small Collection

Some people believe that these couples only looked for partners (of the opposite sex, of course), or that they were siblings. That may be, but another picture with the two boys from the first photo – both featured in 'Loving: A Photographic History of Men in Love' – hints at a different story.

[Sources: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5]

#also love how the two last photos are from the same studio #can't help imagining a studio frequented by queer people and maybe run by them #queer history #gay history #lesbian history #1920s #1930s #1940s #wlw love #sapphic love #gay love #blog: history

[fitz-higgins]

A voyage to Japan brought Monty and Henry many wonders and happy memories, but most important of all, Monty bought a (toy) katana. And whenever Henry mentioned something about that trip, for example, "This postcard reminds us of Yokohama", Monty would add: "And my Katana!"

And thus this picture was born

#monty and henry #stories and scenes #behind the scenes

[fitz-higgins]

Love at First Lecture – full story

“Going together would certainly be better, Professor. When can he call by, do you know?” He said it without looking at Henry, instead focusing on his hand that he kept in his gentle hold. The fingers of his other hand touched Henry’s palm lightly, as if it was very delicate and fragile, but the sensation sent an electric feeling through his fingertips. There was a moment of silence as Monty, it seemed, was fully preoccupied with their hands. “There is nothing like a touch, you know,” he said suddenly, looking at Henry again, not releasing his hand, fingers touching it lightly. The touch. Before anything else came the touch of a hand, of the very fingertips, and Monty longed to experience it with this man.

Henry flushed slightly, entranced by the sensuality of Monty’s attentions. He had also lost the power of speech which was... ironic for a man who had spent his whole life focusing on it. Oh yes, there really was nothing like a touch, not when wielded like this, in ways he couldn’t even begin to imagine. “I- I wouldn’t really know,” he confessed, reddening again, but summoned enough courage to envelop Monty’s hand firmly in his own. “But... I would like to learn.”

It finally happened! We have an ao3 account, and you can read the four-chapter story about how Monty and Henry got together, from the aftermath of the Titanic's sinking to a chaotic lecture and unexpected kisses.

#writeblr #writers on tumblr #edwardian era #titanic #queer literature #gay romance #queer fiction #historical fiction #1910s #monty and henry #stories and scenes

[fitz-higgins]

Lazy sunny mornings with your beloved are the best mornings

Monty and Henry in England in 1913

[Art by pokatac, based on a photo from Nini & Treadwell Collection]

#art #gay art #queer art #1910s #gay romance #edwardian era #queer history #monty and henry #blog: arts

[fitz-higgins]

The Great War was the first time Monty and Henry were actually apart, after five years of bliss. Monty was sent to the front in 1917, and of course Henry couldn’t stay home. Exempt from conscription on account of his age and profession, he nevertheless asked for an extended leave from Columbia to sign up as an ambulance driver. Paradoxically, Monty survived the war unscathed, while Henry was not as lucky. He sustained a shrapnel wound to his right eye during one of his rounds. Although now needing to wear an eyepatch, Henry treated the loss of his eye with his usual fortitude. “I only thank whatever higher power that there is up there that it wasn’t you,” he wrote to Monty during his convalescence. Once they reunited, the most turbulent time came for the two lovers, but they went through it together, as always. Since then, Monty made it a habit to always keep to Henry’s left side where he could see him. Even for kisses.

[Art by mlanka]

#art #gay couple #gay romance #1910s #oc art #gay art #mlm #lgbtq #queer characters #monty and henry #stories and scenes #blog: arts