My guest today is Dragon, a dear friend and Uber Fan of the British television Series Gentleman Jack. The series is based on the actual diaries of the landowner Anne Lister, who lived in early 19th century in Halifax, England. She lived, as much as 19th century England would allow, as an openly queer woman. There may be some debate about what queer means, but I would define it here as someone living against the expected gender roles and sexual norms of the time. She documented, in her own secret code, her private thoughts, opinions, and romantic escapades with a score of women. At more than 26 volumes it is a fascinating chronicle of the life of a female landowner in a time when options open to women were extremely limited. Dragon enlightens me on why Anne Lister’s story is so important to British history and what makes a Gentleman Jack fan.
Listen to the show HotFRM234 (138Mb 59h08s)
Other things discussed: Rhubarb Liqueur, Downton Abbey, Diversity in the entertainment arts, The sacrament – of marriage, English laws of landownership, epigenetics.
Links to interesting resources: Halifax, England. Shibden Hall. Shibden After Dark Podcast. Out on the Street, a Toronto Gay Village Business. Gentleman Jack–The Real Anne Lister. Take a Virtual Tour of Shibden Hall.
TV Shows referenced: Last Tango in Halifax. Happy Valley. Scott and Bailey. Normal People. I May Destroy You.
Movies Referenced: Bound. Carol. Portrait of a Lady on Fire.
Authors Referenced: Jill Liddington. Helena Whitbread.
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