The Chevalier D’Éon - “Patron Saint of Transvestites”

Diplomat, spy, and master swordsman, the Chevalier D’Éon certainly led an interesting life. His first 49 years were spent as a man, and her last 33 years were spent as a woman.

A recently discovered portrait of the Chevalier, dating from 1792, is believed to be the earliest surviving formal portrait of a male transvestite.

For more information:

http://www.polarimagazine.com/visual-arts/patron-saint-transvestites

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chevalier_d%27Eon