IWD 2025: 12 incredible LGBTQ+ women from history who completely rewrote the rules

This year, the theme of International Women’s Day (IWD 2025) is “Accelerate Action,” with the non-profit behind the day’s creation writing that this year emphasises the “importance of taking swift and decisive steps to achieve gender equality.”

In light of that, we decided to look at 12 LGBTQ+ women from history who took bold, brave steps to live their lives as they wanted to, refusing to let prejudice or misogyny prevent them from being themselves.

From 17th century sword-slingers to 20th century movie stars and activists, here are some of our favourite queer trailblazers.

1. Julie d’Aubigny (1670 – 1707)

French duellist and opera singer Julie d’Aubigny (1670–1707) (Wikimedia Commons)

Where to start with Julie? Better known as Mademoiselle Maupin or

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