Odellett's Journey
1956 to 1963
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1
In early February of 1956, Odellett, a transwoman, 29, of Roxbury, was first mentioned in The Mid-Town Journal. Police had observed her over a period of a few weeks, soliciting passing motorists. On the day of her arrest, the journal noted that she was wearing a raglan coat, diamond earrings, a sequin plastered hat and gold dusted bangs.
2
In early August, 1961, Odellett was arrested by the police for robbery and solicitation in the early morning hours along Tremont Street. The journal noted that the South End and Back Bay were two of her favorite places to do sex work and that she had upgraded her personal attire which now included fake breasts.
3
Two years later, in August of 1963, Odellett was once again arrested for solicitation of motorists. The Mid-Town Journal did not give much details compared to her past arrests, other than her home address, which was only a few blocks south on West Newton Street and her feminine presentation, wearing a wig and high heeled shoes. Over a span of seven years, Odellett lived in the South End as a sex worker. Most likely, the South End provided affordable housing and a safe atmosphere for her to live openly as a transgender woman.