Famous and Infamous Census Records
One of the primary record sets that genealogists consult is the United States Decennial Census. The US Census Bureau maintains a dedicated webpage titled “Famous and Infamous Census Records,” showcasing census records over the decades that feature notable individuals, both celebrated and controversial.
Within this compilation, we find historical figures who identified as homosexuals, regardless of whether they were “out” at the time the census record was created. Let’s explore a few instances:
- 1880 U.S. Census
- Walt Whitman, age 61
- 1900 U.S. Census
- T.S. Elliot, age 11
- 1920 U.S. Census
- Leonard Bernstein, age 18 months
- Willa Cather, age 37
- 1930 U.S. Census
- Truman Capote, age 5
- Leonard Bernstein, age 11
- Bayard Rustin, age 17
- Thomas “Tennessee” Williams, age 19
- Langston Hughes, age 28
- 1940 U.S. Census
- Anthony Perkins, age 8
- Harvey Milk, age 9
- Rock Hudson, age 13 (as Roy Fitzgerald)
- Leonard Bernstein, age 21
- Cary Grant, age 36. “Partner” of Randolph Scott.
- Edgar Hoover, age 45
- 1950 U.S. Census
- Marsha P. Johnson, age 4
Census records, not only in the United States but also in Canada, the United Kingdom, and various state censuses, can offer invaluable insights into understanding the family structure of our LGBTQ ancestors. In next month’s post, I’ll delve into the significance of the term “Partner” as used in the U.S. Census during the 20th century.
If there are additional individuals you believe should be included in this list, please share them in the comments.
