Leo Hudson (1839-1873)

The world knew actress Julia Lee Hudson only by her male stage name: Leo Hudson. A trick rider, she became famous for daring equestrian feats. Hudson excelled at breeches parts, which suited her boyish build. Leo Hudson complicated drag by impersonating men impersonating women. This carte de visite shows her with a mustache, costumed as a male who is passing for female in a woman’s hat, striped bloomers, and shawl.