03/30/2026
In the late 1800s and early 1900s, it was illegal in many American cities to appear in public of you were considered 'unsightly', 'deformed', poor, or disabled.
These were known as Ugly Laws --- and like many laws in history, enforcement often came down to the discretion of b whoever was in charge, which meant power, bias, and personal opinion often decided who was allowed to exist in public.
This is a hidden chapter of history --- and its affects are still felt today.