The Secret Lesbian Affair under Mary Queen of Scots
Summary
Host Anthony interviews author Ashley Douglas about her book on Marie Maitland, who likely penned Britain’s first lesbian love story in 16th-century Scotland. Set against the harsh, misogynistic backdrop of John Knox’s Reformation, Marie used her role as secretary to her blind father to secretly compose erotic poetry. The episode explores how she subverted religious and literary tropes to celebrate her sapphic desires, challenging historical narratives about queer life in post-Reformation society.
Topics discussed
Intro: Podcast advertising and atmospheric setup
Welcome to After Dark and guest introduction
Context: The Scottish Reformation and John Knox
The 1625 conviction for female sodomy in Scotland
Marie Maitland's family background and unique role
Marie's father's blindness and her work as secretary
The Maitland Manuscript and its contents
Reading and analyzing Marie's lesbian love poem
Subverting religious language for sapphic love
Marie's forced marriage and tragic death
Book promotion and conclusion
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