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Casa Susanna: A Hidden haven for Transgender women in mid-Century America
A new exhibition at the Metropolitan Museum of Art shines a light on Casa Susanna, a clandestine retreat in the Catskill Mountains that provided a vital sanctuary for transgender women and cross-dressing men during the 1950s and 60s. The collection,featuring photographs and materials from the Casa Susanna archives,offers a poignant glimpse into the lives of individuals who navigated societal constraints while embracing their true identities.
The photographs, many taken by the residents themselves, capture moments of joy and self-expression. As described by exhibition curator Dr. Karen Fineman, these images were “profoundly significant” for the individuals depicted. “They talked about this in the magazine and in othre places,” Fineman explained. “It was seeing an image of themselves as a woman that reflected back their desired identity to them.” These visual records reveal a community yearning for freedom, frequently enough constrained by societal expectations.
Casa Susanna challenges prevailing myths about transgender identities and historical discrimination. The existence of masquerade laws at the time meant that individuals could face arrest for cross-dressing in public. The magazine produced by the community, Transvestia, documented instances of arrest, detailing the “horrible humiliation and mistreatment” experienced at the hands of law enforcement. Furthermore, some individuals were subjected to involuntary commitment in mental institutions, where they endured practices akin to conversion therapy.
The community at Casa Susanna was not solely comprised of individuals living dual lives. Many participants had supportive wives who would accompany them to the Catskills. These wives sometimes contributed to Transvestia, offering their perspectives. One such contributor, Avis, wrote a column in 1965 reflecting on her journey to understand her spouse’s identity, underscoring the deep commitment within these relationships. Fineman noted that wives actively participated in the retreats, assisting their partners in crafting their feminine personas. She highlighted a particularly touching image of a couple wearing matching, custom-made dresses, a testament to their shared experience.
The legacy of Casa Susanna extends to individuals who eventually transitioned to live openly as women. Virginia Prince, a prominent figure in the community and the founder and editor of Transvestia, lived as her authentic self from 1968 untill her passing in 2009. Several women who were part of the Casa Susanna community are still alive today and are expected to participate in a panel discussion at the Met in September. The museum will also host a screening of Sébastien Lifshitz‘s 2022 PBS documentary, casa Susanna.
Dr. Fineman views the exhibition as a crucial act of inclusion and a means of reclaiming lost history.She emphasized the significant role museums play, particularly in an era where transgender lives are often marginalized or erased. “I hope this offers trans people a larger sense of affirmation and understanding,” Fineman stated. “We have a role to make these pictures and history visible.”
