Born in 1935 in Liverpool, April Ashley became one of the first British people to undergo gender-affirming surgery, later becoming a prominent model, actress, and activist. Her journey, however, is not just a tale of personal discovery but a landmark in the fight for trans rights.
April Ashley was born George Jamieson, the youngest of six children in a working-class family. From a young age, she struggled with her gender identity. Growing up in a society with limited understanding or acceptance of transgender people made this internal battle even more painful. After serving in the Merchant Navy, she moved to Paris, seeking an environment more open to exploration and acceptance. Here, she performed at the legendary Le Carrousel nightclub under the stage name "Toni April."
Gender-Affirming Surgery
In 1960, at the age of 25, Ashley made a ground breaking decision. She travelled to Casablanca, Morocco, where she underwent gender reassignment surgery with Dr. Georges Burou, a procedure that was still highly experimental at the time. This marked a turning point in her life. She returned to the UK as April Ashley, ready to embrace her true identity.
Upon her return, Ashley quickly gained fame as a model. Her striking looks graced the pages of prestigious magazines, including Vogue. However, the world of celebrity also brought challenges. In 1961, a journalist outed her as transgender, thrusting her into the public eye in a very different way. While many in the entertainment industry turned their backs on her, Ashley remained defiant, using her newfound visibility to champion trans rights and challenge societal norms.
Landmark Legal Case for April Ashley
April Ashley's name became further entrenched in history through her involvement in a legal case that would have far-reaching consequences for trans rights. After marrying British aristocrat Arthur Corbett in 1963, their relationship broke down, leading to Corbett seeking an annulment on the grounds that Ashley was legally male. The 1970 case, Corbett v Corbett, resulted in a landmark ruling that nullified their marriage and established a legal precedent that prevented transgender people from changing their birth certificates. This ruling would not be overturned until decades later, with the passing of the Gender Recognition Act in 2004.
Despite the hardships, April Ashley remained a steadfast advocate for trans rights. She continued to speak openly about her life and the challenges faced by transgender individuals, breaking down barriers and encouraging greater understanding and acceptance. In 2012, she was recognised for her contributions to transgender awareness and received an MBE (Member of the Order of the British Empire) for her services to equality.
In 2013, the Museum of Liverpool honoured her with an exhibition entitled April Ashley: Portrait of a Lady, showcasing her life and achievements, and further cementing her legacy as a pivotal figure in LGBTQ+ history.
April Ashley in Auction
Here at Fellows, we are honoured to auction a grey cultured pearl multi-row intertwined necklace, modelled by April Ashley as part of our Joseph Bonnar Collection. April Ashley’s story is one of survival, perseverance, and dignity in the face of adversity.
Grey cultured pearl multi-row intertwined necklace, modelled by April Ashley
Price Realised: £572.00
The Joseph Bonnar Collection | Wednesday 23rd October 2024
Viewing times (ID required):
London
Tuesday 15th October 12:00-19:00
Wednesday 16th October 9:00-17:00
Thursday 17th October 9:00-12:00
Birmingham
Monday 21st October 10:00-16:00
Tuesday 22nd October 10:00-16:00
Wednesday 23rd October 8:30-10:00
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