Cathay Williams born around 1850 to an enslaved mother and was assigned female at birth. During adolescence, Cathay was captured by and forced to serve Union troops. Despite the prohibition against women serving in the military, Cathay voluntarily enlisted in the US Army at age 17, posing and living as a man under the name “William Cathay”. After an honorable discharge due to a disability, they signed up with the all-black regiment, the 38th U.S. Infantry, which would eventually become part of the legendary Buffalo Soldiers. Cathay’s actual gender identity is not known, however, they are the only known Black Buffalo Soldier assigned female at birth. #LGBTQHistory #QTPOCHistory