Gary Inbinder's Blog - Posts Tagged "cross-dressing"
Cross Dressing in Historical Fiction
I recently discovered some interesting posts on the subject of cross dressing in Historical Fiction on The History Girls blogspot. One particular post examined the issue of why stories about women masquerading as men seemed more popular than men posing as women. One conclusion is that in the past women disguised themselves as men to seek adventure or to pursue careers that were closed to them. Men, on the other hand, had cross dressed for less aspirational and inspiring reasons, for example to hide from enemies, to evade military service, or to gain a seat in a crowded life boat.
Consequently, aside from the obviously erotic, stories about men dressing as women have tended to be comical, e.g. "Some Like it Hot," or shameful, as in films and stories about the sinking of the Titanic.
I posted the following comment on The History Girls blog about the Myth of Hercules and Omphale, a source I believe of many comic and erotic cross dressing stories.
"In my novel, The Flower to the Painter, a young woman artist in late 19th century Europe disguises herself as a man to advance her career. That's consistent with the theme of women in the past who cross-dressed to enter professions that were, for the most part, closed to them.
As for male cross-dressing in history, the myth of Hercules and Omphale could provide a good basis for a story. Following some transgression of Herc's, the gods condemned the hero to serve Omphale, The Queen of Lydia for a period of time. While in her service, Hercules wore Omphale's clothing and took to female tasks, like spinning, while the Queen donned the hero's lion skin and carried his club. And they became lovers and enjoyed their game."
Some critics have noted that Hercules seemed to enjoy this little rest from his dangerous adventures and labors, but then he had the option of taking off his dress and returning to his role as hero when he grew tired of spinning and weaving.
Consequently, aside from the obviously erotic, stories about men dressing as women have tended to be comical, e.g. "Some Like it Hot," or shameful, as in films and stories about the sinking of the Titanic.
I posted the following comment on The History Girls blog about the Myth of Hercules and Omphale, a source I believe of many comic and erotic cross dressing stories.
"In my novel, The Flower to the Painter, a young woman artist in late 19th century Europe disguises herself as a man to advance her career. That's consistent with the theme of women in the past who cross-dressed to enter professions that were, for the most part, closed to them.
As for male cross-dressing in history, the myth of Hercules and Omphale could provide a good basis for a story. Following some transgression of Herc's, the gods condemned the hero to serve Omphale, The Queen of Lydia for a period of time. While in her service, Hercules wore Omphale's clothing and took to female tasks, like spinning, while the Queen donned the hero's lion skin and carried his club. And they became lovers and enjoyed their game."
Some critics have noted that Hercules seemed to enjoy this little rest from his dangerous adventures and labors, but then he had the option of taking off his dress and returning to his role as hero when he grew tired of spinning and weaving.
