Relying on Women: Same-Sex Relationships at the Turn of the Century

Who were women to emotionally rely on, if not other women who lived the same (apparently perfect) lives? The women in this gallery—Susan B. Anthony, Carrie Chapman Catt, M. Carey Thomas, and Jane Addams—are examples of women who managed to live their lives as leaders to the American people while fostering long term romantic relationships with other women. In the nineteenth century, romantic friendships—deep and meaningful relationships between women— were the norm and very common. Indeed, it was expected for women to create these intense emotional attachments to other women They became each other’s supporters and confidants, and if a sexual component developed behind closed doors, even if somewhat of an irregularity, no one questioned it. Nonetheless, in accordance to the nineteenth century norms, women still had to be married to a man. In a way, their relationships with other women were secondary.[1]

During the Progressive Era, however, expectations changed along with romantic friendships. As suffragettes and women’s rights groups rose to prominence and norms changed, more middle and upper class women gained access to education and paying jobs. Marriage was no longer the only way to stay afloat in society. These “New Women,” mostly white and wealthy, had the means to enjoy their lives without surrendering to matrimony. Women would now study, work, and live together, fostering deep relationships with each other. Their newfound independence also allowed them to commit primarily to these relationships with other women. Romantic friendships began to let go of the “friendship” aspect to become exclusively sexual and romantic relationships between women. [2]