Wordsmiths: Wu Zao

Wu Zao (1799-c.1862) was a poet who wrote homoerotic poems and plays. Despite being married to a wealthy man, she longed for romantic relationships with women and turned those feelings into poetry. During her lifetime, her lyrics were sung throughout China. 

For Further Reading:

The Legacy Project: Wu Zao The Emerging Lesbian: Female Same-Sex Desire in Modern China Wu Zao 吴藻: “Reading the Dream of the Red Chamber” 讀紅樓夢（乳燕飛)

This Pride Month, we’re talking about wordsmiths. Women who used language to create community, give a voice to change, and inspire future generations to do the same.

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