The motorsport world is full of fantastic and particular experiences, but there is one driver's life story that has always particularly fascinated me — that of Roberta Cowell.

See, Cowell was a fighter pilot, a prisoner of war, and a racing driver, which alone would have been enough to build up an impressive resumé. However, she was also the first documented person to receive gender affirming surgery in the United Kingdom, making her the first known trans woman to compete in motorsport. Today, we're discussing her life and her experiences in an era where her mere existence was criminalized.

To find out more about Deadly Passions, Terrible Joys:

https://linktr.ee/deadlypassionsterriblejoys

Subscribe on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/deadlypassionsterriblejoys

Please give DPTJ's new sponsor, Homefield Apparel, a warm welcome by subscribing for updates and checking out all FOUR new motorsport-themed clothing launches this year. Don't forget to use code DPTJ15 for 15% off your first order!

https://www.homefieldapparel.com/

Follow Elizabeth Blackstock on Instagram: @elizablackstock

Follow Elizabeth Blackstock on Twitter/X: @eliz_blackstock

Follow DPTJ on Instagram: @deadlypassionsterriblejoys

Follow DPTJ on Twitter/X: @terriblejoy_pod

Order Racing with Rich Energy: https://mcfarlandbooks.com/product/racing-with-rich-energy/

Follow Grand Prix Gastronomy: https://grandprixgastronomy.substack.com/

Grab some merch on Redbubble: https://www.redbubble.com/people/eablackstock/shop?asc=u

Episode Bibliography:

Roberta Cowell's Story: An Autobiography by Roberta Cowell

Roberta Cowell by Queer as Fact https://open.spotify.com/episode/0uz4EG1xkR1VFsrPXmmDAf?si=be4060a1bf7a4158

https://www.lizhodgkinson.com/journalismArticle/interview_with_transsexual_roberta_betty_cowell

https://blog.bham.ac.uk/historybham/lgbtqia-history-month-trans-pioneers-michael-dillon-roberta-cowell/

https://www.independent.co.uk/news/people/profiles/it-s-easier-to-change-a-body-than-to-change-a-mind-the-extraordinary-life-and-lonely-death-of-roberta-cowell-8899823.html

https://blog.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk/2022/06/13/roberta-cowell-in-our-newspapers/

https://www.nytimes.com/2020/06/05/obituaries/roberta-cowell-overlooked.html