Digital Transgender Archive

"The Trial of M. D'Eon by a Jury of Matrons" (Frontispiece, The Town and Country Magazine - May, 1771)

The Trail of M. D'Eon by a Jury of Matrons

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According to the Transas City website: "A very unique item which highlights part of the furore over the gender identity of the Chevalier d’Eon. In May 1771, the Town and Country Magazine of England published a two-page account of an examination that the Chevalier d’Eon underwent at Medmenham Abbey on May 24th, in front of a “jury of matrons.” In summary, the purpose of the meeting was to determine the sex of the Chevalier, to determine if they were male, female, or something else. Upon further research, it is still not completely clear if this event actually occurred, or if it was not simply a very elaborate parody which was mocking the Chevalier and the public confusion over their sex and gender."

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