François-Timoléon de Choisy

François-Timoléon de Choisy (French: [ʃwazi]; 16 August 1644 – 2 October 1724) was a French abbé, writer, and member of the Académie Française. He is known for his memoirs, historical and religious writings, and travel accounts. His posthumously published autobiographical writings describe frequent use of women's clothing in both private and public life, a subject of later scholarly debate.

Early life and upbringing

De Choisy was born in Paris. His father was attached to the household of the Duke of Orléans, while his mother, who was on close terms with Anne of Austria, was regularly invited to amuse Louis XIV. According to De Choisy's memoirs, his mother dressed him in girls' clothing until he was eighteen, after which he briefly wore male clothing before returning to women's dress, reportedly on the advice of Madame de La Fayette.

Following his mother's death, he inherited a substantial sum, which allowed him to pursue a life without regular employment. He wrote that he wore elaborate women's clothing until he was publicly criticised by the duc de Montausier. He then withdrew to the provinces, where his memoirs describe continued use of women's dress in connection with various social situations.

The reliability of these accounts has been questioned. Historian Paul Scott of the University of Kansas noted that "if you regard it [the memoir] with any scrutiny, there are implausibilities, contradictions, anachronisms and no contemporary corroboration whatsoever."

Religious life and travels

De Choisy was made an abbé in childhood. Financial difficulties later led him to reside at his benefice in Sainte-Seine, in Burgundy, where he became acquainted with Bussy-Rabutin.