MN90: Leon Belmont, Gentleman about Town

October 1880 – Leon Belmont dressed for the brisk weather, slouch hat and men’s overcoat. But Minneapolis took exception to this young man, who it was claimed was a really a woman in men’s clothes. Here’s Britt Aamodt.

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Producer: Britt Aamodt

Editorial support: Emily Krumberger

Mixing & mastering: Chris Harwood

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Transcript

MN90 Intro: Welcome to MN90: Minnesota History in 90 Seconds.

“About two weeks ago, this city was treated to one of the most unique sensations in its history.” So went a story printed November 12, 1880, in the Minneapolis Tribune. The unique sensation was Leon Belmont. He was a guy who cut a dashing figure, even in a slouch hat, enough of one to juggle the affections of two lovely ladies. Only recently, however, both relationships had gone bad, and the second lady took the extra step of going to the chief of police. There was a man parading around Minneapolis, she wanted him to know, who she claimed was really a woman. Belmont suddenly found himself arrested, clapped in a cell and handled by a doctor who declared that Belmont had been born a woman. And in Minneapolis, like many cities at the time, cross dressing was illegal. Leon Belmont was eventually given his freedom, but he promised to continue wearing men's clothes, as was his right.

MN90 Outro: MN90 is produced by AMPERS, diverse radio for Minnesota's communities, made possible by funding from the Minnesota Arts and Cultural Heritage Fund. Online at mn90.org.