Gender, Sexism, and the Middle Ages

Ads sell us an image of ourselves. So what are they selling to men when that image is medieval?

Fairy tales are not known for being progressive. But one from 1901 is remarkably gender-affirming, featuring a trans man as a chivalric hero.

Just in time for Christmas; did you know that Mary is revered in Islam as well as in Christianity? And more, the status of Mary offers a window into something you might expect: that women being respected religious scholars has a long tradition in Islam.

Garsenda of Provence was a powerful noble, a shrewd politician, and an all-around boss. So of course, some dude called her fat.

Many medieval women were not just "the good wife" or "the good mother", but also had real power. But their power was often erased after they died.

Even the holiest of medieval women was not known for being placid or passive. She was known for punching the devil right in his evil face.

If transgender people have a long history, then that means that being transgender is not a "post-modern lifestyle," but simply a part of the human condition.

When we think of medieval women, one word stands out above the rest: "lady." But what did it mean to be a lady? What does it now? And what should it mean?

Medieval women also experienced sexual assault. They too spoke up and spoke out against it, and were often not believed. How "medieval" are we still?