Draft:Princess Seraphina

Princess Seraphina (17th century-18th century), whose legal name was John Cooper, is regarded as one of the first drag queens in English history. As the first drag queen, Cooper was regarded as the first gay man for whom "dragging it up" was an essential part of who she was. She was also known as a drag queen or transvestite "princess" by all of his neighbors, who referred to them as Princess Seraphina even when she wasn't dressed like a woman. In the 1730s, Cooper, who was a known gentleman's servant, took on the character of Princess Seraphina and rose to prominence in the molly subculture of London, which was a group of gay men that congregated in covert homes and clubs. Cooper was commonly known by friends as "her" or "her royal highness." It was said that Cooper looked identical to a woman, frequently wearing a scarlet cape and white gown, flapping a fan, and curtsying. It appears that Princess Seraphina had no adversaries other than their cousin, a distiller, who felt that his actions were scandalous.

Princess Seraphina and Molly Houses

Although homosexuality was illegal in England, Seraphina was a common sight in the gay bars known as "molly houses" across the 18th century. There is no record of Seraphina ever being arrested or treated with suspicion, despite the fact that men might be hanged at the period if caught engaging in homosexual activities. The only scandal she was involved in was when her garments were stolen in a 1732 robbery.

London's so-called "molly houses," secret bars and coffee shops where gay men could gather, engage in early forms of drag, and have sex, have been extensively documented by a number of historians. Molly houses can be located in ornate, three-story structures, or they can just be temporary bars in someone's living room. Historians do know that Seraphina was a frequent, so-called "molly messenger"; it's possible that she helped arrange early gay hookups or protected the identities of these covert LGBT community centers. Seraphina was a messenger to gay men in the high class, which is why she dressed in extravagant clothing. On the day of the robbery, she was described as wearing a nice shirt, silver-buckled shoes, a flowy tailcoat, and a waistcoat that was neatly tailored.

Historians have noted that Seraphina attended the June 1732 Ridotto al Fresco at Vauxhall Gardens and loved a good masquerade. Masquerades were notoriously "naughty" events where people would dress up and occasionally crossdress. They served as venues for LGBT people to find mates and sex workers to find clients. At masquerade balls, Seraphina would wear her high-femme drag, attracting prospective bachelors who enjoyed dancing with her.

Princess Seraphina vs. Thomas Gordon Case (1732)

When Thomas Gordon, an unemployed servant, stole her clothing and jewelry at knifepoint at Chelsea Fields, a well-known gay cruise port, Princess Seraphina filed a lawsuit against him at the Old Bailey in 1732.

Details of the Case

On May 29, 1732, Seraphina went out to drink. However, just before two in the morning, Seraphina discovers that she was unable to enter her lodge. After no one responds to her knocks, she heads back to the Kings-Arms outside Leicester-Fields, often known as the "Night-Cellar," for another pint of beer. Princess Seraphina asserts that this is when defendant Thomas Gordan arrives, sits down beside them, and they begin talking about a common acquaintance named "Mr. Price." While discussing the individuals they both know, they share three "hot-pints". Thomas follows Seraphina as she pays and departs. Seraphina is invited to go for a stroll with Thomas, who remarks on how pleasant the morning was. After Seraphina consents, they travel to Chelsea Fields, where Thomas launches his assault. Cooper's clothing was characterized as elegant for a man. After putting on Cooper's clothes, the thief threatened to accuse Cooper of sodomy and demand payment for his services if she filed a lawsuit against him.

Results of the Case

The women who testified at her trial claim that they frequently saw her wearing women's clothing and that they only ever used the pronouns she/her to refer to her as Seraphina; one even calls her "highness,". In the trial transcripts, Cooper is referred to using feminine pronouns even though she appears in court as a man. Although her neighbors might have accepted his sexual orientation, the law and the general public did not. In the end, the trial demonstrates how important Princess Seraphina was to Cooper's life. Cooper knew she were jeopardizing their safety if she were accused of sodomy, yet she still chose to drag a heterosexual man to court.

Male witnesses characterized Thomas Gordon as a "honest working man," leading to his acquittal. Seraphina was not accused of sodomy, as there is no evidence that she was ever detained or charged. Seraphina was a member of affluent circles and was able to "pass" in drag,.