Arresting Dress: Cross-Dressing, Law, and Fascination in Nineteenth-Century San Francisco

During the mid-nineteenth century, San Francisco became a hotbed of social change and legal controversy, particularly surrounding issues of gender and identity. Clare Sears delves into a pivotal moment when a provocative law was enacted, criminalizing cross-dressing in public spaces. This intriguing exploration not only examines the legal implications of the ordinance but also uncovers the broader societal fascination with cross-dressing, revealing how these themes were interwoven into the fabric of urban life during that era.

Sears unpacks the complex narratives of individuals impacted by this legislation, highlighting their struggles for self-expression and societal acceptance. Through meticulous research and engaging storytelling, she illuminates the duality of public perception—where fascination coexisted with fear—and how this reflects broader tensions regarding gender roles and identities. The work serves as both a historical account and a thoughtful commentary on the enduring questions surrounding dress, identity, and the laws that seek to regulate human behavior.