The life of historic Melton transgender figure Edward De Lacy Evans was explored at a panel discussion at the Melton Library and Learning Hub on August 24, as a part of a series of Wear it Purple Day events.
Edward de Lacy Evans was a transgender man living in nineteenth-century Melton and later Blackwood, until he was cruelly institutionalised before being outed in the media.
The panel was presented by Bendigo Advertiser journalist Tom O’Callaghan, who researched and facilitated the Bendigo Advertiser’s formal apology for its treatment of De Lacy Evans, and writer, radio host and transgender person Sam Elkin.
Mr Elkin said that the pair provided an explainer on the life of Mr Evans, his experiences in the Melton region and the role of the media in stirring up “moral panic” about gender non-conforming people.
“In his lifetime, he was very misunderstood, he was considered to be a fraud and imposter when all he was trying to do was live his life quietly and peacefully,” he said.
“He was subjected to very invasive and unfair treatment at Kew asylum, it’s important that we remember that history so that it doesn’t happen again.
“I think that gender diversity has always existed throughout human history, and people that we might consider transgender today have always existed. There were many such people in Victoria’s goldfields region and it’s important that we celebrate those people today so that we better understand our history.”
Mr Elkin said it was a well attended event which attracted local historians, members of the lgbtqia+ community and the wider community.
“It’s a great honour to be able to connect with local people and talk about historical figures from the local area who have not been given enough attention,” he said.
“It’s an absolute joy… it’s great to see people come together for events like this and support each other and learn from each other.”
