Documentary explores Abraham Lincoln’s possible homosexuality

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Last Wednesday (10th), the trailer for the documentary “Lover of Men: The Untold History of Abraham Lincoln” was released, in which the sexuality of one of the most iconic U.S. presidents will be examined through never-before-seen letters and photographs. The trailer suggests that the film will investigate whether Abraham Lincoln, known for signing the Emancipation Proclamation, was gay or bisexual.

Watch the trailer:

The plot

Directed by Shaun Peterson, the documentary will feature interviews with academics, historians, and experts about Lincoln’s private life, focusing particularly on his relationships with men before he was elected president in 1860. Peterson described the film on his social media as a “passion project” that took “years to make“.

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The film’s synopsis suggests that it fills an important gap in American history and challenges the audience to reconsider the limited view of human sexuality. According to the documentary, “Lover of Men” not only explores gender roles and sexual identity but also examines American intolerance.

Here’s the synopsis:

“Lover Of Men: The Untold History of Abraham Lincoln” examines the intimate life of America’s most consequential president. Narrated by eminent Lincoln scholars and illustrated with never-before-seen photographs and letters, the film details Lincoln’s romantic relationships with men. “Lover Of Men” broadens its perspective to the history of human sexual fluidity and focuses on the profound differences between 19th-century sexual customs and those we have today. The film fills an important gap in American history and challenges the audience to consider why we maintain such a limited view of human sexuality. “Lover Of Men” is not only an exploration of gender roles and sexual identity but also serves as an examination of American intolerance.

Abraham Lincoln’s relationships with other men

The documentary’s trailer indicates that Lincoln’s close relationships with men, particularly a “roommate” with whom he allegedly shared a bed, will be explored. While such arrangements were common in the 19th century, the film questions whether this could be evidence of the former president’s sexual orientation.

Experts interviewed in the documentary explain that at the time, “the closest relationships of many men were with other men” and that, before getting married, “Lincoln likely shared a bed with men more often than with women”. Sexuality was much more fluid back then, but for someone with political ambitions, having a wife was essential.

By the late 19th century, views on sexuality became much more rigid, and love between men began to be seen as “unnatural“. The documentary suggests that accepting the possibility that Lincoln may have been part of the LGBTQIA+ community could help promote broader acceptance of LGBTQIA+ individuals.

Abraham Lincoln, a moderate Republican who led the United States during the Civil War and is famous for the Gettysburg Address, was assassinated in April 1865. The documentary “Lover of Men: The Untold History of Abraham Lincoln” does not yet have a release date.