# Chevalier d'Éon

> French diplomat, spy and soldier. d’Éon lived openly as a trans woman while in exile in England. (1728–1810)

**Wikidata**: [Q715027](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q715027)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chevalière_d'Éon)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/chevalier-d-eon

## Summary
Chevalier d'Éon was a French diplomat, spy, and soldier who lived openly as a trans woman while in exile in England (1728–1810). Known for their intelligence and diplomatic service, d'Éon played a significant role in French intelligence and military operations during their time.

## Biography
- **Born**: 1728 (exact date and place unknown)
- **Nationality**: French
- **Education**: Affiliated with the University of Paris (c. 1150–1970)
- **Known for**: Serving as a diplomat, spy, and soldier while openly living as a trans woman in exile
- **Employer(s)**: French government, diplomatic service
- **Field(s)**: Diplomacy, espionage, military intelligence

## Contributions
- **Diplomatic Service**: Served in French diplomatic missions, including during exile in England.
- **Intelligence Operations**: Engaged in espionage activities, contributing to French intelligence efforts.
- **Military Service**: Participated in military operations, leveraging their diplomatic and intelligence expertise.

## FAQs
**What was Chevalier d'Éon's primary role?**
Chevalier d'Éon served as a diplomat, spy, and soldier, operating in French intelligence and military circles.

**Where did Chevalier d'Éon live while in exile?**
Chevalier d'Éon lived in England while in exile, where they openly lived as a trans woman.

**What institutions were associated with Chevalier d'Éon?**
Chevalier d'Éon was affiliated with the University of Paris, though the nature of their education is unclear.

**What fields did Chevalier d'Éon work in?**
Chevalier d'Éon worked in diplomacy, espionage, and military intelligence.

## Why They Matter
Chevalier d'Éon's life and career are significant for their role in French intelligence and diplomacy during a period of political and social upheaval. Their ability to operate openly as a trans woman in a male-dominated field provides insight into the challenges and opportunities for LGBTQ+ individuals in historical contexts. Their contributions to espionage and military intelligence highlight the diverse talents and skills available to intelligence agencies.

## Notable For
- **Openly Trans in Exile**: One of the few known individuals to openly live as a trans woman while serving in a male-dominated field.
- **Diplomatic and Intelligence Service**: Played a role in French diplomatic and intelligence operations during exile.
- **Military Expertise**: Leveraged their diplomatic and intelligence skills in military contexts.

## Body
### Early Life
Chevalier d'Éon was born in 1728, though the exact date and place are unknown. Little is known about their early life, but they were educated at the University of Paris, which was a prestigious institution at the time.

### Career
Chevalier d'Éon served in the French diplomatic service, including during their exile in England. They lived openly as a trans woman, a rare occurrence in a male-dominated field. Their role in espionage and military intelligence was significant, contributing to French efforts during their time.

### Affiliations
Chevalier d'Éon was affiliated with the University of Paris, which provided them with the education necessary for their career in diplomacy and intelligence. Their work was closely tied to the French government and diplomatic service.

### Legacy
Chevalier d'Éon's legacy lies in their pioneering role as an openly trans individual in a male-dominated field. Their contributions to French intelligence and diplomacy during exile provide valuable historical context for the challenges and opportunities faced by LGBTQ+ individuals in historical contexts. Their work highlights the diverse talents and skills available to intelligence agencies and the importance of inclusivity in such fields.

## References

1. BnF authorities
2. CiNii Research
3. Virtual International Authority File
4. Encyclopædia Britannica Online
5. Babelio
6. GeneaStar
7. Proleksis Encyclopedia
8. Croatian Encyclopedia
9. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
10. BBC Things
11. LIBRIS. 2012