How a 17th-Century Female Pickpocket Defied Gender Norms

In recent history, long-standing gender norms have been challenged with ever-increasing frequency. Both Lil Nas X and Harry Styles made headlines when they chose to wear dresses publicly, sparking both an outpouring of support alongside some backlash. One can find photographs of people cross-dressing as far back as the 1940s (or even earlier), but it was practised long before the camera had been invented. Meet Mary Frith, also known as ‘Moll Cutpurse’.