Karin Hügel

Abstract:

Karin Hügel, "The Ban on Cross-dressing in Deuteronomy 22:5 in the Framework of Queer Readings".

That a man should not lose his male supremacy in a patriarchal social order by not dressing like an ordinary woman is a plausible interpretation of the biblical ban on cross-dressing under the postulate of a hierarchical gender relationship to the disadvantage of women. However, Deuteronomy 22:5 does not mention a man's wish to wear women's clothing for his own pleasure or to arouse the sexual desires of other men. A woman should perhaps not wear a man's weapons, lest she take the place of a male warrior. The Babylonian Talmud Nazir 59a and Rashi do not prohibit cross-dressing per se. Neither the biblical verse Deut. 22:5 nor such rabbinical interpretations have any particular relevance for today's queer people.

  • Karin Hügel, "Das Crossdressingverbot in Deuteronomium 22,5 im Rahmen queerer Lesarten", in: Scandinavian Journal of the Old Testament, Volume 40, Routledge Taylor & Francis Group, Abingdon, Oxon/London 2026, forthcoming.
  • ISSN: 0901-8328,
    eISSN: 1502-7244.

    Skizze Trefusis

    Violet Trefusis sketches herself clinging to Vita Sackville-West, who is dressed as a man.

    Cf. M. A. Leaska / J. Phillips, "Trunken von Deiner Schönheit". Violet Trefusis an Vita Sackville-West (Berlin: Limes, 1993), p. 382, ill.

    Virginia Woolf

    In the February 1910 issue of the British illustrated weekly magazine "Sketch", Virginia Stephen (Mrs. Woolf), can be seen on the far left as Prince Sanganya, dressed in fanciful oriental costume with a false beard and her face painted black beyond recognition, alongside five men. The Royal Navy was duped by the Dreadnought hoax.

    Cf. D. Jones, The Girl Prince: Virginia Woolf, Race and the Dreadnought Hoax (London: Hurst, 2023), ill. 16.

    Solomon Schwur David und Jonatan

    The Oath of Love Between David and Jonathan (1 Sam 20:17)

    The crowned David is depicted with striking blonde hair that reaches down to the floor, and wearing a floor-length robe.

    Simeon Solomon, David und Jonathan, 1854-1855, The Jewish Museum, London.

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    Abstract: Queer Interpretations of the Commandments of Love in Leviticus

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