A groundbreaking new documentary suggests that America's 16th president, Abraham Lincoln, may have led a secret gay life.
Knewz.com has learned that the film titled Lover of Men: The Untold History of Abraham Lincoln delves into romantic relationships Lincoln allegedly had with men, proposing a nuanced and revelatory chapter in the storied life of “Honest Abe”.
The documentary, directed by Shaun Peterson, is described as a meticulous exploration of Lincoln's intimate connections with men, supported by esteemed historians from Harvard, Columbia, Brown, Wellesley, and Rutgers.
Promotional material for the project states, “As told by preeminent Lincoln scholars and never before seen photographs and letters, the film details Lincoln’s romantic relationships with men.”
Peterson's film argues for a reevaluation of Lincoln’s personal life in the context of 19th-century sexual mores, which were markedly different from contemporary views. The documentary highlights how societal norms regarding human sexuality have evolved, and challenges audiences to reconsider their understanding of historical figures' private lives.
One prominent historian contributing to the film succinctly puts it: “Lincoln probably slept in the same bed with more men than he did with women.” This assertion is backed by evidence in the form of personal letters and photographs, presented to the public for the first time.
The documentary has arrived at a moment when Lincoln's legacy is enjoying renewed attention in pop culture.
Comedic actor Cole Escola plays Mary Todd Lincoln in the Broadway show Oh, Mary!, a production that humorously yet poignantly explores the final weeks before Lincoln’s assassination.
The play has been described by Variety as, “unquestionably the funniest, gayest, campiest play Broadway has seen in years.”
The New York Post rated the show highly, noting that “Escola, in grandiose Wednesday Addams drag (the costumes by Holly Pierson are a character, themselves), brilliantly plays Mary as a raging alcoholic and bored, acid-tongued housewife.”
Understanding Lincoln’s potential relationships with men is portrayed by the filmmakers as an important missing piece of American history. This revelation, if accepted by the broader public and academia, could significantly alter perceptions of one of the most revered figures in U.S. history.
The documentary also delves broadly into the history of human sexual fluidity, underscoring the disparity between 19th-century and modern sexual ethics. It invites the audience to contemplate why contemporary views on sexuality are often limited and exclusionary.
The film's credibility is bolstered by contributions from scholars at leading academic institutions.
Historians interviewed for the documentary argue that revisiting historical records with a modern understanding of sexuality provides new dimensions to Lincoln’s story.
They insist on the importance of viewing historical figures in their entirety, including aspects of their lives that were either overlooked or intentionally hidden.
A historian from Harvard noted, “The intimate relationships that Abraham Lincoln had with men, evidenced through his letters and personal correspondence, illuminate a different side of his character. These are men with whom Lincoln shared deep, meaningful, emotional bonds—a fact often glossed over by mainstream historical accounts.”
With the claims asserted in Lover of Men, the documentary has generated considerable buzz online. Social media platforms are abuzz with debates and discussions about the implications of these revelations. While some applaud the film for its courage in exploring untouchable historical territories, others express skepticism or outright denial, per Radar Online.
One viewer commented, “If what this documentary says is true, it fundamentally changes how we view one of America's greatest presidents. It’s an incredible piece of our national story that we need to reckon with.”