A new documentary called Lover of Men - The Untold Story of Abraham Lincoln explores controversial claims about Abraham Lincoln’s sexuality. The film suggests that Lincoln, the first U.S. president, had significant romantic and sexual relationships with men.
The documentary, directed by Shaun Peterson, includes never-before-seen photographs and letters, as well as interviews with historians and experts on Lincoln.
It further explores Lincoln's personal life and relationships before his presidency, particularly focusing on his interactions with male companions.
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The documentary argues that Lincoln had "steamy gay sex sessions" with various men. It reveals his close relationship with Joshua Speed, among others, supported by letters Lincoln wrote to Speed.
For instance, one letter reads, “Dear Speed, I shall be very lonesome without you, love Lincoln.” This evidence is presented to argue that Lincoln's relationships with men were not merely platonic but involved romantic and sexual elements.
The film also examines Lincoln's relationships with other men such as Billy Greene, Elmer Ellsworth, and David Derickson. It recounts how Lincoln and Greene, who were friends in New Salem, Illinois, shared a small cot above the store where they worked.
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| Joshua Fry Speed |
Historians interviewed in the film believe that this close arrangement was mutually pleasurable. Similarly, Lincoln shared a bed with Speed in Springfield due to financial constraints, but this continued for years even when Lincoln could afford his own bed, suggesting that the arrangement was more than just practical.
The documentary implies that Lincoln’s relationship with Speed influenced his political views, particularly concerning slavery. Speed's family owned slaves, and Lincoln's visits to Speed’s Kentucky plantation exposed him to the harsh realities of slavery, impacting his views on the issue.
Historians in the film argue that Lincoln’s same-sex relationships were part of a broader understanding of sexuality in the 19th century. They claim that sexual fluidity was more accepted in that era compared to the rigid categories of heterosexual and homosexual identity that emerged in the 20th and 21st centuries.
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| Abraham Lincoln. Wikimedia Commons |
During Lincoln's time, it was possible for someone to be married and still have relationships with others. Laws against sodomy were primarily enforced in cases of nonconsensual acts. This indicated a different approach to sexual behavior compared to modern standards.
The film’s release has stirred significant attraction from the public. Tesla and SpaceX owner Elon Musk made a comment on social media, suggesting Lincoln was a "gay vampire," considering the nature of the documentary’s claims.
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The film aims to challenge conventional views on human sexuality and historical narratives, presenting Lincoln’s relationships as a crucial part of his personal and political life according to the director.
Lover of Men will be released in theaters worldwide on September 6, with the trailer already generating significant attention and discussion. The documentary seeks to broaden the understanding of historical figures like Lincoln by including their sexual orientations and relationships, framing them as key elements in their lives and legacies.
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