Agency through Otherness: Portraits of Performers in Circus Route Books, 1875-1925

Bearded Women

Exhibited in a similar, exploitive manner as the big women were the bearded women of the circus. In contrast to the other women of the freak show, bearded women tended to be viewed in a more negative light in the media. Even though fat women and tall women were outside of the societal norms, they were still viewed as the women that they were, whereas bearded women had to consistently prove their womanhood and femininity through other means, because their appearance resembled a man too closely. 

As the times changed and women were starting to become a more integral part of society, there was obvious pushback. The newspapers used bearded women to warn people, saying they were dangerous glimpses into the future if women continued to push societal norms. As much as society loved to observe these women, “the bearded white woman appeared to represent much that Americans feared by the end of the century, especially the new feminist-sporting a physical demonstration of all the trouble she might cause to men.”  Portrayed as something both frighteningly archaic and frighteningly new, they were outside of societal control and the media sent clear messages that this was to be avoided. 

The bearded women made their own in spite of the negative spin on their appearances, becoming a staple act in many circuses around the country. 

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