Sir Ewan Forbes, 11th Baronet

Sir Ewan Forbes of Craigievar, 11th Baronet (6 September 1912 – 12 September 1991) was a Scottish nobleman, general practitioner, and farmer. He is notable for his legal case concerning transgender rights and inheritance, which had a significant impact on the legal recognition of gender identity in the United Kingdom.

Early Life and Education

Born as Elizabeth Forbes-Sempill, the second child of John Forbes-Sempill, 18th Lord Sempill, and Gwendolen Emily Mary Fanny Meux, he was initially raised as a girl. However, from an early age, Forbes identified and lived as a male. He was educated at The Leys School in Cambridge and later pursued medical studies, qualifying as a doctor from the University of Aberdeen.

Career

After completing his medical studies, Sir Ewan Forbes served as a general practitioner in Aberdeen, Scotland. Alongside his medical career, he managed his family estate in Craigievar, dedicating himself to farming and the stewardship of the land.

Legal Battle for Title

The death of his brother in 1965 without a male heir brought the title of the Baronetcy of Craigievar into dispute. Sir Ewan Forbes, who had legally changed his gender to male in 1952 and married Isabella Mitchell in 1954, claimed the title. The case was contested, highlighting the lack of legal clarity around gender identity and inheritance laws at the time. In 1968, the Court of Session in Edinburgh ruled in favor of Sir Ewan, recognizing him as the legitimate male heir and allowing him to inherit the title as the 11th Baronet of Craigievar. This landmark decision was a significant moment in the recognition of transgender rights in the UK.

Personal Life

Sir Ewan Forbes married Isabella Mitchell in 1954. The couple had no children. Throughout his life, Sir Ewan was known for his contributions to the local community, his passion for farming, and his advocacy for transgender rights.

Legacy

Sir Ewan Forbes of Craigievar, 11th Baronet, left a lasting legacy in the fields of transgender rights and legal recognition of gender identity. His legal battle and subsequent victory marked a pivotal moment in the history of transgender rights in the United Kingdom, setting a precedent for future cases. Sir Ewan's life and legal case continue to be cited in discussions about gender identity, inheritance laws, and the rights of transgender individuals.

Death

Sir Ewan Forbes passed away on 12 September 1991. He is remembered for his contributions to medicine, farming, and the advancement of transgender rights.