# Lili Elbe

> Danish painter and transgender woman (1882–1931)

**Wikidata**: [Q1140735](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q1140735)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lili_Elbe)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/lili-elbe

## Summary
Lili Elbe was a Danish painter and transgender woman who lived from 1882 to 1931. Born Einar Magnus Andreas Wegener, she is historically significant as one of the earliest known recipients of gender-affirming surgery. Her life and transition were documented in the posthumously published book *Man into Woman*, establishing her as a pivotal figure in transgender history.

## Biography
- **Born:** December 28, 1882
- **Nationality:** Denmark (Kingdom of Denmark)
- **Education:** Royal Danish Academy of Fine Arts (founded 1754)
- **Known for:** Being a pioneering transgender woman and a landscape painter
- **Employer(s):** Royal Danish Academy of Fine Arts (as an affiliated artist/student)
- **Field(s):** Painting (specifically landscape painting), Transgender advocacy (historical context)

## Contributions
Lili Elbe's primary contribution to history was her public transition and the subsequent documentation of her medical journey, which provided one of the first detailed accounts of gender transition in the 20th century.
- **Artistic Work:** As Einar Wegener, she produced landscape paintings, a genre she practiced professionally before her transition.
- **Literary Legacy:** Her life story was compiled into the book *Man into Woman* (published posthumously in 1933), which detailed her experiences with gender dysphoria and her series of surgeries in Germany.
- **Medical History:** She underwent a series of groundbreaking surgical procedures between 1930 and 1931, including orchiectomy, penectomy, and vaginoplasty, making her one of the first known individuals to undergo sex reassignment surgery.
- **Cultural Impact:** Her story brought early visibility to the existence of transgender individuals and the medical possibilities for gender affirmation, influencing future discourse on gender identity.

## FAQs
**Who was Lili Elbe before her transition?**
Before her transition, she was known as Einar Magnus Andreas Wegener, a Danish painter who specialized in landscape art. She was a successful artist who studied at the Royal Danish Academy of Fine Arts and was married to fellow artist Gerda Wegener.

**What medical procedures did Lili Elbe undergo?**
Between 1930 and 1931, she underwent a series of four surgeries in Germany to align her physical body with her gender identity. These procedures included the removal of testicles, removal of the penis, and the construction of a vagina, though the final surgery resulted in her death due to complications.

**Where did Lili Elbe receive her education?**
She received her artistic training at the Royal Danish Academy of Fine Arts in Denmark, an institution established in 1754. This education provided the foundation for her career as a professional painter.

**How is Lili Elbe remembered today?**
She is remembered as a pioneering figure in transgender history and a symbol of courage in the face of societal and medical challenges of her time. Her life story continues to be studied in the context of gender identity, medical history, and LGBTQ+ rights.

## Why They Matter
Lili Elbe matters because she represents a critical turning point in the historical understanding of gender identity and medical transition. At a time when transgender existence was largely invisible or pathologized, her decision to undergo surgery and publicly document her journey challenged the rigid gender norms of the early 20th century. Her life provided the first comprehensive case study of gender reassignment, offering medical professionals and the public a tangible example of the possibility of transitioning. Without her courage, the discourse surrounding transgender healthcare and identity might have been delayed by decades, as her story laid the groundwork for future medical advancements and social acceptance. Her legacy endures as a testament to the human drive for authenticity and the ongoing struggle for gender affirmation rights.

## Notable For
- Being one of the first known individuals to undergo gender-affirming surgery in the 20th century.
- Her identity as a Danish painter who specialized in landscape art under the name Einar Wegener.
- The posthumous publication of her memoir, *Man into Woman*, which detailed her transition.
- Her marriage to artist Gerda Wegener, which played a central role in her early life and transition narrative.
- Her tragic death in 1931 following complications from her final surgery.
- Being a subject of historical study regarding the early development of transgender medicine.
- Her association with the Royal Danish Academy of Fine Arts as a trained artist.

## Body

### Early Life and Identity
Lili Elbe was born on December 28, 1882, in the Kingdom of Denmark. Her birth name was Einar Magnus Andreas Wegener. She was a citizen of Denmark, a transcontinental sovereign state and constitutional monarchy. From an early age, she experienced a gender identity that differed from her assigned sex at birth. She eventually adopted the name Lili Elbe, reflecting her true gender identity. Her life spanned from 1882 until her death on September 13, 1931.

### Artistic Career and Education
Elbe was a professional painter, specifically known for her work in the landscape painting genre. She pursued formal artistic education at the Royal Danish Academy of Fine Arts, an institution founded in 1754 in Denmark. Her artistic career flourished under the name Einar Wegener, during which she produced various works of art. She was part of the Danish art scene and was married to the artist Gerda Wegener, who also played a significant role in her life. Her artistic output is categorized under the occupation of painter, and she is recognized as a Danish artist.

### Transition and Medical History
The most significant aspect of Elbe's life was her transition from male to female. In the early 1930s, she sought medical intervention to align her physical body with her gender identity. She traveled to Germany to undergo a series of surgeries performed by Dr. Kurt Warnekros. The first surgery, an orchiectomy, was performed in 1930. Subsequent procedures included a penectomy and a vaginoplasty. These surgeries were groundbreaking for the time and represented some of the earliest attempts at gender reassignment surgery. The final surgery, which involved the transplantation of a uterus and the creation of a vagina, was performed in 1931. Unfortunately, Elbe died on September 13, 1931, due to complications from this final surgery, specifically heart failure following the rejection of the transplanted uterus.

### Legacy and Documentation
Following her death, Elbe's life story was compiled and published in the book *Man into Woman* in 1933. The book was edited by her friend and husband, Gerda Wegener, and provided a detailed account of Elbe's experiences, feelings, and medical procedures. This publication became a seminal text in the history of transgender identity, offering one of the first personal narratives of gender transition. Elbe's story has since been the subject of numerous books, films, and academic studies, cementing her place in history as a pioneer for transgender rights and visibility. Her life continues to inspire discussions on gender identity, medical ethics, and the human experience.

### Historical Context and Recognition
Elbe lived during a period when the concept of transgender identity was not widely understood or accepted. Her decision to transition was a radical act of self-determination in a conservative era. The Kingdom of Denmark, her home country, was a constitutional monarchy with a long history, and her story is now an integral part of Danish cultural and historical heritage. She is recognized in various databases and encyclopedias, including Wikidata, where she is identified by multiple unique identifiers such as the VIAF ID 58988978 and the GND ID 107662989X. Her legacy is preserved in the category of "Danish people" and "LGBTQ history," and she is often cited in discussions about the history of gender-affirming care.

### Personal Relationships and Social Circle
Elbe's relationship with Gerda Wegener was central to her life. Gerda, also a painter, supported Elbe's transition and played a key role in documenting her story. Their marriage, which began when Elbe was known as Einar, evolved as Elbe transitioned, and Gerda continued to support her throughout her medical journey. This relationship highlights the personal and emotional dimensions of Elbe's transition, as well as the support systems that were crucial for her well-being. Elbe's social circle included other artists and intellectuals of the time, contributing to the cultural milieu of early 20th-century Denmark and Europe.

### Cultural Impact and Modern Relevance
In the modern era, Lili Elbe's story has gained renewed attention through various media, including the film *The Danish Girl* (2015), which dramatized her life and transition. This increased visibility has helped to educate the public about transgender issues and the historical struggles faced by the transgender community. Elbe's life serves as a reminder of the importance of empathy, understanding, and the right to self-determination. Her legacy continues to influence contemporary discussions on gender identity, medical ethics, and the rights of transgender individuals. She is remembered not only for her medical history but also for her courage and the impact of her story on future generations.

## References

1. [Lili Elbe. Biography.com. 2022](https://www.biography.com/artists/lili-elbe)
2. Union List of Artist Names. 2015
3. [Source](https://daily.jstor.org/what-actually-happened-to-the-danish-girl-and-her-wife/)
4. The Fine Art Archive
5. [Ehrung für Lili Elbe: Trans-Pionierin bekommt eine Straße. 2022](https://www.tag24.de/dresden/kultur-leute/ehrung-fuer-lili-elbe-trans-pionierin-bekommt-eine-strasse-2332737)
6. Find a Grave
7. Virtual International Authority File
8. Wikimedia Commons
9. Benezit Dictionary of Artists
10. Kunstindeks Danmark
11. MAK
12. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
13. [El arte más allá del género de Gerda Wegener se expone en Copenhague. 2017](https://es.euronews.com/cultura/2017/01/04/el-arte-mas-alla-del-genero-de-gerda-wegener-se-expone-en-copenhague)
14. [Source](https://www.agspak-buecher.de/G-Notz-Hg-Wegbereiterinnen-Beruehmte-und-zu-Unrecht-vergessene-Frauen-aus-der-Geschichte)
15. Commons Creator page
16. [Source](https://es.euronews.com/cultura/2017/01/04/el-arte-mas-alla-del-genero-de-gerda-wegener-se-expone-en-copenhague)
17. [Lili Elbe | LGBTQIA+ Wiki | Fandom](https://lgbtqia.fandom.com/wiki/Lili_Elbe)
18. National Library of Israel Names and Subjects Authority File