On the 21st of May 1810 Charles-Genevieve Louis-Auguste-Andre-Timothee Deon de Beaumont died in London at the age of eighty-three.
Much has been written about the Chevalier d’Eon since that day. For anyone still unaware of this famous historical figure, please read the links below for a précis of an unusual life which also included diplomat, spy, Advocate, Captain of Dragoons, fencing master etc. Plus, we should remember that at one time, many of us would have been called an Eonist.

It is easy for us to read about such a figure without thinking about the person behind the story.
Just to take one example, at one time  £100,000 was bet on whether the Chevalier was a woman or a man. The equivalent value would be  £10,000,000 today (Nearly fifteen million dollars). How would any of us cope with that level of intrusion in our daily life? It is also worth noting that at the time the betting was rife, a certain colony was trying to gain Independence.

Even after death, five men including Admiral Sidney Smith inspected the body to make a formal declaration as to sex.

We like to believe we are much more civilised today. In many respects we are. However, we should be aware that similar personal violation still happens. I am certain that more than one person reading this piece has been subject to prurient press intrusion, complete with pictures, for no reason other than making a profit for the publishers.

So please take a moment to raise a glass of any liquid and send your love to the brave soul behind the historical figure.

Then perhaps we should also be sparing a thought for all those in the last two hundred years who have lived and fought in their own way, to enhance how we are perceived by others.

Love to all

Anne G.

http://www.beaumontsociety.org.uk/chevalier.html

http://www.kirjasto.sci.fi/deon.htm

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chevalier_d'Eon

And of course the anima story.
http://www.metacafe.com/watch/557471/le_chevalier_deon_anime...