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Lucy Hicks Anderson enjoyed being in the limelight. At a time when gender often defined one’s role in society, she gained notoriety as a talented hostess, prize-winning cook, successful businesswoman, and generous philanthropist. But when Lucy's story made headlines in 1945, it wasn't for her elegant dinner parties or delicious desserts... it was simply for being herself.

This time on Sidedoor, we investigate the trial of Lucy Hicks Anderson, one of the first documented Black transgender figures in American history.

Clipping of the Oxnard Press-Courier’s coverage of Lucy Hicks Anderson’s courtroom trial, November 24, 1945. Anderson is quoted in part as saying "I defy any doctor in the world to prove that I am not a woman. I have lived, dressed, acted just what I am, a woman. It’s only petty maliciousness that is trying to cause me heartache and harm." Google news archive.

Speakers

• C. Riley Snorton - Professor of English and Gender & Sexuality Studies at the University of Chicago and author of Black on Both Sides: A Racial History of Trans Identity
• Ashleigh Coren - Acting Head of Education for the Smithsonian American Women's History Initiative

Links & Extras

• Lucy Hicks Anderson’s story is featured in We’ve Been Around, a series of documentary shorts that sheds light on transgender individuals throughout history.
• The Museum of Ventura goes deep into their archives to find details of Lucy’s life and trial in local records.
• The 1945 TIME magazine article, California: Sin and Soufflé offers details about Lucy’s style and reputation in Oxnard. (Note: this piece uses dated framing and language to sensationalize the story.)
• Explore the contributions of more groundbreaking LGBTQ+ women with the Smithsonian’s American Women's History Initiative.

Lucy Hicks Anderson stands with Deputy Sheriff H.E. Bowman (left) and Deputy Sheriff Charles Salig (right), circa 1945. Back of the photo is marked "Bowman, Supt. Bureau of Identification - Sheriff's Office Ventura County, Calif." Courtesy of the research library at the Museum of Ventura County.

We hope Lucy’s story inspires you to seek out the lesser-known trailblazers in your community! Next week, we’re bringing you a feast of seasonal stories to help you get into the holiday spirit.