The Extraordinary Life of April Ashley
- kickasswomen
- Feb 24
- 3 min read
Emma and I started planning for this episode in the early Autumn of 2024, in what now feels like a different world. A lot has changed for Trans people in just the last few weeks, sadly not for the better, which is why stories like April's are so important to share.
From left to right: Birthday card April received from her mother (as described by Kay Jones in the episode), photo of April during her modelling days, an advert featuring April Ashley (first image courtesy of Museum of Liverpool. Other images are used under Creative Commons licenses)
Who Was April Ashley?
April Ashley was born in 1935 in Liverpool, England. She had a difficult childhood, with her father away in the Navy, an abusive mother, and recognising from an early age that she was different from others around her. She struggled to understand her gender identity, and as a young adult joined the Merchant Navy. In this week's podcast, we explore how she became one of the first British people to undergo gender-affirming surgery, her subsequent modelling career, and what happened after she was cruelly "outed" in the tabloid press.
A Life of Struggle and Triumph
Ashley’s transformation was not just about altering her physical appearance. It was an act of courage in the face of adversity, at a time when transgender people were almost entirely invisible in public discourse. Her story would not only challenge the norms of the day but would also push boundaries for what was possible for gender non-conforming individuals in the decades that followed.
Ashley’s modelling career was successful. She was photographed by David Bailey and Salvador Dali, featured in Vogue and even had a supporting role in the film Road to Hong Kong with Bob Hope and Bing Crosby. Sadly, someone sold April's story to the tabloid press and her career dried up almost overnight.
Her name made headlines across the country, not for her achievements but for the controversy surrounding her surgery and her gender. She faced significant backlash and was even publicly shunned by friends and colleagues.
April was supported throughout this public scandal by her then-friend, the Honourable Arthur Corbett. The relationship turned romantic and they later married. Unfortunately, the marriage didn't last and when April later sought maintenance payments, Corbett sought an annulment on the grounds that the marriage wasn't valid because of the gender April was assigned at birth. Corbett vs Corbett was an incredibly important case, setting an appalling legal precedent. April was not considered a woman in British law, and therefore could not have been married to a man.
Beyond the Spotlight
April didn’t let the negativity define her. She built and re-built her life multiple times, with time Hay-on-Wye, America and finally returning to England in the 1990s. Throughout her life, she wrote thousands of letters of support to other transgender and non-binary people, living her life openly and unapologetically at a time when the LGBTQIA+ community had little public support.
In 2012, April Ashley was recognized for her role in trans history when she was awarded an MBE (Member of the Order of the British Empire) for her contributions to gender equality. She helped pave the way for transgender women to find solace and solidarity in one another, offering support to those who felt isolated and unheard.
April Ashley being interviewed on Loose Women, June 2015
A Lasting Legacy
April Ashley's life represents a remarkable journey of resilience, authenticity, and courage. Though her name might not be as widely known as some other icons in the LGBTQIA+ movement, she has been a ground-breaking figure in the struggle for transgender rights in the UK and beyond. By living her truth in a time when being trans was met with stigma and rejection, Ashley helped set the stage for future generations to live more openly and authentically.
April Ashley was a true Kickass Woman of History—one whose impact continues to reverberate through the ongoing fight for transgender rights and equality. Her legacy continues to inspire us to challenge the status quo and demand a more inclusive world for all.
Comentários