Abraham Lincoln is often regarded as one of the most influential presidents of the United States, introducing the 13th Amendment and keeping the country united throughout the Civil War. But did you know that Lincoln may be the first homosexual president to ever enter the White House? Was it love or companionship? Friendship, or perhaps something more?
In the 19th century, getting married was not always a want but an expectation of society. To progress in his political career, Abraham Lincoln married Mary Todd in 1842. Nothing could have prepared them for the life they were about to embark on together. Over their 22 years of marriage, the couple went on to lose three of their four sons, hold their country together through the Civil War, secure the Union’s success, and overcome lies, jealousy, and changing morals.
In celebration of Abraham Lincoln, here are two books and a fascinating documentary that examine Lincoln’s sexuality and how he put his country before love.
The Lincolns: Portrait of a Marriage by Daniel Mark Epstein
All of this, and more, is brilliantly depicted by author, historian, and poet Daniel Epstein. Through years of research and dedication, Epstein uncovered never-before-known information about Lincoln and his wife. What was seen as an unhappy and bitter marriage was discovered to be one of love, friendship, and mutual respect. It is a book that debunks myths with jarring evidence, attention to detail, and a clear respect for a couple that defended the rights of millions of Americans.
Although being married for 22 years, Lincoln was a man of fluidity. A man who slept with the same sex when his wife was out of town. How do we know this? And how have you never heard of this before?! Let me introduce you to a book that follows the unpublished life of Abraham Lincoln.
The Intimate World of Abraham Lincoln by C.A. Tripp
C.A. Tripp, a renowned author, historian, and sex researcher, published a 2005 book highlighting some of Lincoln’s hidden romantic relationships. Including the fact that he shared a bed with a man called Joshua Speed, remarked as “what stuff” by a Washington socialite.
Details of Abraham’s relationships, not only with his wife but also with his lovers and friends, had never been shared until this book was released. And there is no better expert than a man who devoted ten years to researching Lincoln for this very book! But there was more beneath the surface. Enter filmmaker Shaun Peterson.
Lover Of Men: The Untold History of Abraham Lincoln
A shocking documentary released in 2024 by filmmaker Shaun Peterson raised the question: Was Abraham Lincoln gay? Or perhaps bisexual? This documentary observed never-before-seen letters and photographs depicting the 16th president of the United States to be more than what meets the eye.
Not just that, but the film raised important topics, such as America’s history with gender expression and fluidity. Reflecting on how history influences our present, this film explores more than just a president’s sexual relationships but the parts of history that we choose to leave out.
Lincoln is a president that is still being studied today, as we uncover more and more about the man he was. One cannot help but wonder what other outstanding achievements he would have attained if he had not met his sudden end. Alas, we will never know. But we do know one thing: Lincoln was a man who stood up for the rights of others, fought for his country, and loathed discrimination.
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