April Ashley, born in Liverpool in 1935, emerged as a pioneering figure in transgender history, leaving an indelible mark as a model, author, and activist. After serving in the Merchant Navy, she found a more accepting environment in Paris, performing at Le Carrousel nightclub under the stage name “Toni April.”
In 1960, Ashley underwent gender confirmation surgery in Casablanca, becoming one of the first British individuals to do so. Returning to Britain as April Ashley, she quickly rose to prominence as a fashion model, even appearing in British Vogue. However, her career faced significant challenges after she was outed as a transgender woman by a newspaper in 1961.
This public disclosure led to both a scandal and a landmark legal case, Corbett v. Corbett, concerning the annulment of her marriage, which set a precedent regarding the legal status of transgender individuals in the UK at the time. Her husband was part of the British aristocracy and was the heir to a titled peerage (he would become the 3rd Baron Rowallan). From 1963 to 1980, April was styled The Honorable April Corbett. Despite hardships, April Ashley remained a steadfast advocate for transgender rights.
Her life story became a powerful testament to resilience and authenticity. In recognition of her contributions to transgender equality, she was appointed a Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) in 2012. Ashley passed away in 2021 at the age of 86, leaving behind a legacy of courage and a significant impact on the fight for LGBTQ+ rights. Hers is one of two stories featured in the documentary, “Enigma.”
