Resource

Life Story: Christine Jorgensen (1926-1989)

Transgender Icon

The story of an overnight pop culture icon who used her celebrity status to advocate for the acceptance of transgender people.

Christine Jorgensen, 47, poses for photographers in a swimsuit

Christine Jorgensen, 47, poses for photographers in a swimsuit, 1967. Miami Beach, Florida. The Everett Collection.

Christine Jorgensen waves as she boards an airplane at Copenhagen, Denmark

Christine Jorgensen waves as she boards an airplane at Copenhagen, Denmark, 1953. The Everett Collection.

Suggested Activities

  • Lead students through a close study of the two images connected to Christine’s life story. What did Christine hope to communicate to viewers through her hair, makeup, and fashion choices? What does this tell students about the connections between personal appearance and activism?
  • Show students