Frida Kahlo - Surrealist Painter:
1907-1954. Mexican painter Frida Kahlo was married to another painter, Diego Rivera. Although she was considered "secondary" to him in their lifetime, Frida Kahlo has become a feminist icon and highly revered artist since her death.
Frida Kahlo - Lover of Women:
Frida Kahlo had affairs with both men and women, including her husband's mistresses. She has also been linked to movie stars Dorlores del Rio, Paulette Goddard and Maria Felix, among others. Her painting Two Nudes in a Forest (1939) clearly shows her attraction and love of women.
Frida Kahlo in Drag:
Frida Kahlo recognized the power of cross-dressing. In a family photograph from 1926 she is dressed in full male attire. She used cross-dressing as a way to express her power and independence.
Self-Portraits of Frida Kahlo:
Frida Kahlo widely known for her self-portraits. At age 18, she was disabled in an accident and she lived her life in constant pain. Her self-portraits convey this suffering, but also her strength and perseverance.
Frida in Film:
Salma Hayek starred as Frida Kahlo in the film Frida in 2002. She received an Academy-Award nomination for her role.
Sources: glbtq.com, The Lesbian Almanac, Gay Pride, A Celebration of all Things Gay and Lesbian by William J. Mann.
