Humanities
Worldly curio icon

Worldly Curio

April 14, 2019

Was this Polish American war hero intersex?

4 CQ

Polish-born American revolutionary hero Casimir Pulaski is the namesake of many sites across America. But questions have always lingered about his burial. When Pulaski's body was exhumed, researchers discovered something surprising — many of his skeletal traits were female. Produced by: The World staff. Image credit: Stephen Morton/AP.

Aired April 10, 2019

  • Recommended Recommended
  • History & In Progress History
  • Browse Library
  • Most Popular Library

Get Personalized Recommendations

Let us help you figure out what to learn! By taking a short interview you’ll be able to specify your learning interests and goals, so we can recommend the perfect courses and lessons to try next.

Start Interview

You don't have any lessons in your history.
Just find something that looks interesting and start learning!

4 Comments
500 characters max
Chris R
I don’t know if the info should be added to the monument. May I suggest however that this info is important in showing that people who are intersex or of non-binary gender are fully capable human beings who can do amazing things. We all suffer from biases, the goal is how we remind ourselves of this and actively seek to question and reset our expectations of people based on any of their physical characteristics. I don’t think it has to do with political correctness, we must celebrate differences
500 characters max
Cathy P
I agree with Michael L- what does it matter that he was intersex? Why does this need to be added to the monument? I don't really care if he was intersex, or anything else about his sexuality- that's not what he is known for.
500 characters max
Michael L
I say no mention should be made of the fact that he was intersex on the plaque. Why should it matter? That's not what he is famous for, and unless we have some reason to believe that he wanted people to know. He should be left alone. I feel this is a case of people wanting to be too politically correct. If people are really interested, they can research it and find out, but he probably didn't want people to know, so I think his wishes should be respected even if he is no longer around.
Jennifer D
I agree completely-he was a great person who did heroic things. At that time he wouldn't have been able to accomplish those things unless he was male.
500 characters max