Joan of Arc: The Crossdressing Warrior Saint

Joan of Arc was a warrior saint who played a great part toward the end of the Hundred Years War. She has been the subject of study for generations in regard to religion, martyrdom, historical warfare, sexuality and gender identity. As far as knowledge permits, she did not identify as transgender but did cross dress as a man for quite some time, likely due to necessity to pursue what she deemed to be a just cause. As is with many cases of trans history, we can not delve into the minds of the dead and determine how they may or may not have identified. We can, however, examine patterns of behavior as accounted through written history. Joan of Arc, despite the reason, was a cross dresser at the very least and this site supports the entire spectrum of gender identity and will be inclusive in regards to our content.

Joan was born January 6th, 1412 in Domremy in north-east France. Her parents were peasants who owned a small patch of farmland which they used to supplement her fathers income as a minor village official. Their village was loyal to the king but was surrounded by Burgundian supporters. It was the subject of countless raids, one of which saw the village burned to the ground. Joan claimed to have visions of Saint Michael, Saint Catherine and Saint Michael, whose divine instructions were to drive the English out of France and prepare the Dauphin to Reims for coronation. At 16 she predicted a military reversal at the Battle of Rouvary near Orleans, several days before messengers arrived to report that exact occurrence. She implored a garrison commander to giver her armed escort to the French Royal Court at Chinon. She told him of her visions and the importance of that audience by saying "I must be at the King's side ... there will be no help (for the kingdom) if not from me. Although I would rather have remained spinning [wool] at my mother's side ... yet must I go and must I do this thing, for my Lord wills that I do so."

 The commander eventually granted that request, in awe of the divine grace that gave her sight of defeat at Rouvary. They traveled through hostile Burgundian territory, she disguised as a male soldier which later led to charges of cross dressing. Though it was set upon her by her escort as a necessary precaution. Her first meeting with the uncrowned King Charles took place in 1429. The court was preparing a relief expedition to Orleans and granted Joan permission to travel along, giving her armor to wear for the endeavor. Her and her company depended on donated items to clothe and protect themselves. Many historians believe that the royal court made such great exceptions in her case because they may seen her as a last beacon of hope for a rule that was crumbling.

Though they initially placed faith in her confidence, the court was suspicious of her. The risk of turning the long standing conflict into a holy war was dangerously high, so the court made inquiry toward the legitimacy of her faith. They wanted to be sure she was not a heretic or sorceress that in the event of her success it could not be said that Charles's rule was not a gift from the devil. It was concluded with the understanding that Joan was a Christian of good standing who valued humility, simplicity and honesty. Charles was convinced but determined to put her divine purpose to the test. He wanted to see if she could lift the siege of Orleans as predicted, believing that placing doubt in it was to become unworthy of God's intervention should she be victorious.

She arrived in Orleans in April of 1429. Her participation in warfare is of debate, some believing that she favored her banner over the sword in battle others pointing to accounts of various military commanders who took her advice in battle, believing it divinely inspired.Whichever the case, her time in the campaign of war was met with great success, particularly with the recapture of Orleans. After many victories and the coronation of King Charles a short-lived truce with England was made. Once that battles recommenced, Joan took a force to attack a Burgundian camp but was ambushed and captured. Many escape and rescue attempts were made, but she eventually found herself in English custody and put on trial.

Initially Joan was only charged with heresy, a move that was of political motivation. The goal was to embarrass their enemies with the capture an conviction of such a "bizarre" individual. After much time in prison being forced to wear a dress, it was discovered that many molestation attempts were made and Joan was returned to male clothing. A situation favored by her as it offered greater protection. During her time in the military and in prison she kept her hair short. The courts tried to trick her into guilt by asking her if she was "divined grace by God". If she said yes it would be viewed as heresy as one could not speak for God and claiming divine grace would do so. If she said no, all her previous claims would be seen as false and therefore guilty of heresy by default. Her response left the court confounded, "If I am not, I pray God set me there. If I am, may God keep me there." This answer forced the court to find guilt by other means and so she was charged with cross dressing. Her defense argued that these actions were of practical nature and necessary for her case. But she was found guilty anyway and put death at the stake by fire in May of 1431. She was 19 years old.

But her legacy does not end there. Her story was of great acclaim throughout the centuries and even until now. In 1909 she was beatified, or recognized of their entrance into heaven by the Roman Catholic Church. In 1920, Pope Benedict XV canonized her at St. Peter's Basilica in Rome. As was said before, she has been the subject of great study, admiration and fantasy. May films and books have surrounded the life of this great hero. The patron saint to France, martyrs, prisoners, soldiers  and I would add transgender peoples will live on for quite some time.