Could Abraham Lincoln Have Been Gay? New Doc Claims He Loved Men

Abraham Lincoln, often celebrated for his courage, compassion, and wisdom, is now at the center of a provocative new documentary that questions his sexual orientation. “Lover of Men,” currently in theaters, explores the possibility that the 16th President of the United States may have been gay, highlighting his connections with various male companions throughout his life, even after marrying Mary Todd Lincoln.

This complex topic has been debated for years within academic circles, with scholars examining letters and personal accounts from Lincoln’s era, finding subtle hints that indicate meaningful queer relationships. Nonetheless, discussions surrounding his sexuality have frequently been dismissed as mere “urban legend.”

Producer Rob Rosenheck emphasizes the ongoing relevance of Lincoln’s queerness. “We live in a homophobic society,” he states, arguing that the repeated emergence of these discussions is a testament to their historical significance. “It’s part of our history that won’t go away.”

Director Shaun Peterson points out the dichotomy in how society approaches Lincoln’s personal life. He laments: “There have been thousands of writings about Lincoln and Mary’s troubled marriage, and yet the topic of his love for men is often met with resistance.”

The documentary presents Lincoln as sexually fluid, claiming he had long-term intimate relationships with several men. One of the earliest mentioned is Billy Greene, whom Lincoln met at a general store while living in Illinois. Greene shared with William Herndon, Lincoln’s law partner, that he spent about 18 months sharing a narrow cot with Lincoln, providing vivid descriptions of Lincoln’s physicality.

Sharing sleeping arrangements was not uncommon in the 1800s and did not always imply sexual connotations. Even as Lincoln ascended in his career as a lawyer and politician, he continued to share beds with other men, suggesting that these arrangements may have provided him with more than just financial convenience.

Tom Balcerski, a presidential historian at Eastern Connecticut State University, questions societal discomfort with discussing physical intimacy. “Why is it so hard for people to accept that there could be pleasure from physical intimacy?” he asks, noting that modern prudeness often resembles that of the Victorian era.

The documentary explores Lincoln’s most significant relationship with Joshua Speed, a store owner he met in 1837. The two shared a bed while living together for four years until Speed returned home to Kentucky, which reportedly left Lincoln in a deep depression, prompting friends to keep a close watch on him for his own safety.

Despite marrying Mary Todd Lincoln in 1842, experts suggest their relationship lacked passion. The couple slept in separate bedrooms while raising their four children, which complicates the narrative of their marriage. During times when Mary was absent, Lincoln often shared his bed with his bodyguard, David Derickson.

Lincoln’s personal correspondence with Speed, preserved in the Library of Congress, reveals a depth of emotion typically absent from his other writings. The letters, filled with expressions of longing and jealousy, suggest a strong emotional bond beyond mere friendship.

The insightful documentary arrives alongside the Broadway play “Oh, Mary!”, which humorously reimagines Lincoln as a closeted gay man. This dual release has provoked discussions around historical interpretations and sexual identity, presenting contrasting narratives of Lincoln’s life.

“It’s pure serendipity,” Peterson observes regarding the timing of the documentary and the play. While “Lover of Men” has sparked backlash among conservative circles, with figures like Ben Shapiro and Alex Jones expressing their disdain, the filmmakers remain hopeful that viewers will approach the film with an open mind.

Peterson clarifies that his aim is not to push an agenda but to present evidence thoughtfully. “I wouldn’t have made this movie if I didn’t believe the evidence was there. It’s about uncovering and acknowledging a part of history that often gets erased.”

The revelations presented in “Lover of Men” challenge long-held perceptions of one of America’s most iconic figures, prompting a reevaluation of Lincoln’s legacy and the historical narrative surrounding gender and sexuality in American history.

Source: USA Today