Was Lincoln Sexually Fluid? Historians Show Why They Think So in New Film.
Supported by HRC, ‘Lover of Men: The Untold History of Abraham Lincoln’ in theaters now
A new film centered on the private life of President Abraham Lincoln lifts the stovepipe lid clean off, revealing some shocking truths about one of America’s most beloved historical figures — namely, that Honest Abe seems to have been quite a hit with menfolk of a certain persuasion. Was there a salacious love triangle happening between Lincoln, Mary Todd and Lincoln’s “friend” Joshua Speed? It turns out, Lincoln was as human — and complicated — as the rest of us.
Lincoln's relationships with men were emblematic of a nineteenth century that, historians in the film reveal, was far more widely accepting of sexual fluidity. During Lincoln's lifetime, it was not unusual for men to have close, and likely, intimate relationships with other men, in addition to their relationships with female partners. The film dives into this surprising fact and the dramatic turn toward "conservative values" that sent these relationships back into the closet by the next century.
While the film is sure to raise eyebrows, “Lover of Men: The Untold History of Abraham Lincoln” is firmly set within a framework of historical fact telling, relying on preeminent Lincoln schools and never-before-seen photographs and letters to make the compelling case that Lincoln enjoyed romantic relationships with men. “Lover of Men,” press materials read, “widens its lens into the history of human sexual fluidity and focuses on the profound differences between sexual mores of the nineteenth century and those we hold today.”
Directed by Shuan Peterson, the film was created in partnership with the Human Rights Council. “The Human Rights Campaign is proud to be the exclusive beneficiary of Lover of Men,” said Dane Grams, Vice President of Membership for HRC in the press release. “It is an important conversation, at an important time in our nation — as we barrel toward a consequential election in which our freedoms — including our freedom to love who we love and be who we are and live openly with pride — are on the line.”
“Equality is at the heart of the American dream, and it is equality that guided Lincoln’s vision,” said Lover of Men producer Robert Rosenheck. “HRC’s fearless fight for equality is inspiring to us and we are honored to partner with them on the release of Lover of Men.”
“Lover of Men: The Untold History of Abraham Lincoln” is showing at AMC Forum 30 in Sterling Heights and at select theaters nationwide.
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