Bearded women

Mexican side show performer

Wilgefortis () is a female folk saint whose legend arose in the 14th century, and whose distinguishing feature is a large beard. According to the legend of her life, set in Portugal and Galicia, she was a teenage noblewoman who had been promised in marriage by her father to a Moorish king. To thwart the unwanted wedding, she had taken a vow of virginity, and prayed that she would be made repulsive. In answer to her prayers she sprouted a beard, which ended the engagement. In anger, Wilgefortis' father had her crucified.

a woman with a beard; historically, such women earned their income as a circus-like attraction

bearded female court dwarf

The Bearded Lady; 1631 oil on canvas painting by Jusepe de Ribera

French bearded lady

American sideshow performer

American bearded lady (1871–1951)

American feminist

Laotian–American sideshow performer

British model

Swiss bearded lady

2023 film directed by Stéphanie Di Giusto