The many magnificent, mysterious faces of Monte Punshon

Monte Punshon was 103 years old when she was crowned the world's oldest lesbian, but that wasn't how she summed up her extraordinary life. Historian Tessa Morris-Suzuki charts Monte's adventures through underground bars and secret clubs

At 103 years old, Ethel May Punshon, who was variously known as Miss Montague, Mickey and Monte, was crowned the 'world's oldest lesbian'.

However, that wasn't how she summed up her extraordinary life.

Historian Tessa Morris-Suzuki has researched Monte's long, mysterious and adventurous life.

Monte worked in children's theatre at the turn of last century, frequented underground drag parties in the 1930s, and made trailblazing trips to Japan.

Throughout her life, Monte was driven by her unrelenting curiosity and a simple motto: don't be afraid.

Further information

A Secretive Century: Monte Punshon's Australia is published by MUP

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