Story: Lesbian lives

Elizabeth Pudsey Dawson

Elizabeth Pudsey Dawson

Elizabeth Pudsey Dawson was born in England in 1894, and settled in New Zealand in 1925. She was a self-identified lesbian and supported herself with a small inherited income and by working as a physiotherapist. She also financially supported New Zealand writers, including Frank Sargeson and Janet Frame. Dawson is a rare example of a woman able to live a lesbian life in the early days, because she had family money and a career. She is seen at far left in this photograph of a hockey team at the Royal Holloway University of London, around 1914.

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Archives, Royal Holloway University of London
Reference: RHC PH 211/24

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How to cite this page:

Alison J. Laurie, 'Lesbian lives - Describing and controlling lesbianism', Te Ara - the Encyclopedia of New Zealand, http://www.TeAra.govt.nz/en/photograph/30267/elizabeth-pudsey-dawson (accessed 8 May 2024)

Story by Alison J. Laurie, published 5 May 2011, reviewed & revised 15 Aug 2018