Peter Anderson (Trans man)(1937)

Decided to start blogging about LGBTQIA+ people of history as of right now. Hoping to improve some peoples days with the simple reminder we have always been here.

Onto my first individual, Peter Alexander.

This interview was taken and published in 1937

Recorded in Sydney

Peter was born in Paterson North, New Zealand. Raised as a girl, he's always shown an interest in men's sports, taking a liking to swimming, golf and tennis. In 1927, he was a schoolgirl champion but decided to give it up as he felt he had an unfair advantage over his opponents.

As years passed, he realised that his identity lies in masculinity.

"It became very evident that the male side and the male personality was becoming dominant"

After talking to some doctors he decided, it would be best to embrace this side of himself. Replacing his women's clothes for men's, along with getting rid of makeup.

He jokes, saying "I no longer use lipstick which would be rather ridiculous when one has to shave everyday". However it is not confirmed nor denied if he had received gender affirming care, though this quote may suggest it.

He then goes on to speak about how he "doesn't blame the modern girl" for wearing makeup as it can make them appear even more beautiful. Continuing this conversation by saying he doesn't believe women are inferior to men as they have a purpose in life and huge responsibilities.

When this video was released, Peter had moved outside of New Zealand in an attempt to get away from publicity. He had planned to go to London, for reasons I'm unsure of. Though he expresses a desire to settle down once he returns. To marry and continue a musical career

Outside of this interview, I personally cannot find out much more about Peter. When he was born, date of death (if he's still alive he'd be 100+ which I'm quite doubtful about), how his life turned out after this interview. Despite so little footage we have of him, his personality really shines through. Personally, this video gives me some trans joy.

I highly recommend taking a quick watch of the interview. The interviewer, mentions Peters deadname once (from a context point of view) at the beginning but afterwards refers to him as Mr Alexander.

[I suggest turning the captions on as the audio is a bit grainy]

Leave suggestions for people I should cover here!