Public Universal Friend

Public Universal Friend, also known by the Haudenosaunee name Shinnewawna gis tau ge, was an American preacher born in Cumberland, Rhode Island, to Quaker parents. After suffering a severe illness in 1776, the Friend claimed to have died and been reanimated as a genderless evangelist named the Public Universal Friend, and afterward shunned both birth name and all pronouns. In androgynous clothes, the Friend preached throughout the northeastern United States, attracting many followers who became the Society of Universal Friends.

Occupation

preacher, religious leader

Citizenship

United States, Thirteen Colonies

Born

November 29, 1752

Died

July 1, 1819