Mary Jones was a Black trans woman and sex worker who resided in New York City during the 1830s. Her clientele included high-profile politicians and other affluent and influential men.

She reportedly created a leather device in the shape and form of a vagina and tied it around her waist to keep clients unaware of her birth sex.

“When asked what had “induced” her current presentation, Mary cited the complements of her peers: long in the practice of “waiting upon girls of ill fame,” she had been assured by the women she worked for that she “looked so much better” dressing in feminine attire and was encouraged for this reason to pursue the practice further.” (1)