Was Abraham Lincoln gay or bisexual? New documentary says he shared a bed with man for 4 years

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The documentary Lover of Men: The Untold History of Abraham Lincoln takes a bold look at the intimate side of one of America’s most revered presidents. Directed by Shaun Peterson, the film brings to light Lincoln’s lesser-known relationships with four men—Billy Greene, Elmer Ellsworth, David Derickson, and Joshua Speed—through historical letters, reenactments, and expert analysis.

 

While the film doesn’t draw any definitive conclusions about Lincoln’s sexuality, it raises intriguing questions about the nature of these connections, offering a more nuanced view of Lincoln's personal life that challenges traditional narratives.

 

One of the most compelling parts of the story explores the 16th US President’s deep bond with Joshua Speed, with whom he shared a bed for four years. Historians and scholars featured in the documentary discuss Lincoln’s evident affection for Speed, as expressed in letters, and highlight the president’s emotional struggle following Speed’s departure—a period some describe as marked by suicidal thoughts.

 

 

“Lincoln has a type—dashing, daring,” an expert reveals in the trailer.

 

The documentary, however, is not just focused on romantic speculation; it examines the broader context of 19th-century homosocial relationships, which were common and not necessarily tied to sexual orientation as understood today.

 

Whether these relationships were purely platonic or something more remains a subject of debate. The film carefully navigates these complexities, leaving viewers to draw their own conclusions while encouraging them to reconsider the way we view historical figures.

 

Lover of Men has partnered with The Human Rights Campaign (HRC), and a portion of ticket sales made through HRC’s customer link will benefit the organization. Released on September 6, the documentary invites viewers not only to reconsider history but also to support a contemporary cause.

 

• https://people.com/abraham-lincoln-documentary-shared-bed-with-man-exclusive-8705838 
• https://www.nbcnews.com/nbc-out/out-pop-culture/was-abraham-lincoln-gay-documentary-lover-men-rcna169363 
• https://www.nytimes.com/2024/09/05/movies/lover-of-men-review.html

 

 

 

Opening image: Indy2320 | Dreamstime.com