Digital Transgender Archive
Photographs found in this collection feature imprisoned people at San Quentin State Prison in the early 20th century. Male prisoners often crossdressed as part of performances produced by the prisoners themselves. Many of these photographs depict the 20th Annual Field and Track Day at San Quentin sponsored by the Olympic Club of San Francisco. The event took place in 1933 and consisted of some 29 athletic events, stunts, chorus girls and vaudeville acts performed by prisoners. It was sponsored by Frank G. O'Kane of the Olympic Club. Some 5000 inmates attended. Viewers should approach these materials with care given how little power the subjects would have had while incarcerated.
The following institutions have contributed to this collection:
