Exploring a Midcentury Haven for Men who Cross-Dressed – The Gentleman Report
What impressed you about Casa Susanna?
The establishment of Casa Susanna was a remarkable feat. During that time, there was no support for those who wished to cross-dress, making it difficult to comprehend their feelings. These personal matters were impossible to discuss with anyone else. The Casa Susanna community consisted mainly of middle-class Caucasian individuals with stable employment and some financial stability. Most of them were married with children. The community also had specific guidelines in place, such as avoiding the participation of homosexuals or transsexuals. Only those who identified as male and cross-dressed were allowed to join the group. To some extent, they recreated conservative standards within their community, possibly out of fear.
How did Katherine and Diana feel about sharing their memories?
Sharing their memories was significant for Katherine and Diana as it was an essential aspect of their identities. For Diana, it was the first time she acknowledged her true self publicly. At 82 years old, she felt the need to be truthful with herself and the people around her. She also wanted to honor the pioneers she met. Diana’s bravery should be commended. It is also intriguing to note that Diana underwent gender confirmation surgery at a young age, after which she became an invisible woman in American society. The discovery of Diana and Kate was a stroke of luck. Unfortunately, Kate passed away a few months after the filming. This is why these hidden stories are so valuable.
For Betsy, this was the first opportunity to share her father’s story, Donald Wollheim. He was a science-fiction writer and publisher, but nobody knew of his secret life. Through Betsy, we gain insight into what it was like for a traditional American family to have a cross-dressing father, possibly a transgender individual. And through Gregory, we see his understanding of his grandmother Marie and Susanna.
What did you find remarkable about Casa Susanna?
The creation of this refuge was truly extraordinary. At the time, if you had the desire to cross-dress, there was nothing around to help you understand it. These intimate questions were impossible to discuss with anyone else. The members of the Casa Susanna community were primarily white, middle-class individuals with good jobs and some financial stability. Many were married and had children. What is also fascinating is that the community had specific rules in place. For instance, they prohibited the participation of homosexuals or transsexuals. They only accepted individuals who identified as men and cross-dressed. In a way, they recreated conservative norms within their own space, likely out of fear.
How did Katherine and Diana feel about sharing their memories?
It was incredibly significant for them because, as they express, it is a fundamental part of their identities. For Diana, it was the first time she publicly acknowledged her true self. At 82 years old, she felt the need to be honest with herself and those still around her. She also wanted to pay tribute to the pioneers she had encountered. Diana should be proud of her bravery. What is also fascinating about Diana is that she underwent gender confirmation surgery when she was young, and from that point on, she became an invisible woman in American society. Finding Diana and Kate was truly fortunate. Unfortunately, Kate passed away a few months after filming. That’s why these hidden stories are so precious.
For Betsy, it was the first time she could share the story of her father, Donald Wollheim. He was a science-fiction writer and publisher, but no one knew about his secret life. Through Betsy, we gain insight into what it was like for a conventional American family to have a cross-dressing father, possibly a transgender individual. And through Gregory, we witness his understanding of his grandmother Marie and Susanna.
