History is Gay

1. Were Some Pirates Poofters?

01.01.2018 - By Leigh PfefferPlay

Download our free app to listen on your phone

Download on the App StoreGet it on Google Play

In our first episode, your hosts Gretchen & Leigh begin their series examining the overlooked and underappreciated queer ladies, gents, and gentle-enbies from the unexplored corners of history with a discussion of the high seas. Meet Anne Bonny, Mary Read, John “Calico Jack” Rackham, and Pierre “the pansy pirate” Bouspet, a quartet of pirates from the golden age of piracy with a flair for the dramatic and some very interesting lifestyle choices. Anne kicking Jack out of his quarters and sharing them with Mary instead? Oh my! Or should we say, ‘arrrghhh’? These pirates may not have been as straight as people think. Outline 0:00 – Introduction2:55 – The Golden Age of Piracy5:33 – Brief Bio: Anne Bonny, Calico Jack Rackham, Pierre Bouspet, and Mary Read28:09 – What Do You Mean They're Not Straight?28:52  – Evidence from Historical/Cultural Context: Gender Code Switching, Situational Gayness, and Piracy vs. the British Royal Navy 43:08 – Evidence from Their Personal Lives53:52 – How Gay Were They?1:02:34  – Closing and Where to Find Us Online Links to sources and bonus content at www.historyisgaypodcast.com. Get at us on twitter @historyisgaypod, tumblr at historyisgaypodcast, and subscribe wherever you get your podcasts! Don't forget to rate and review so more folks can see the show!

More episodes from History is Gay