Schools definitely didn’t address this question when I was coming up, but more than a dozen historians from Harvard, Columbia and other respected institutions appear in this doc with what surely seem to be proper receipts.
Most historians agree that Abraham Lincoln was this country’s most consequential and, perhaps, most beloved President in American history. Lover Of Men: the Untold History of Abraham Lincoln examines his intimate life with photos and details of the era that are surprising and informative. Who knew that a man sleeping with another man (and I’m just talking sleep for the moment) was rather common in the early to mid-1800s? And that’s just the start.
An abundance of photos of male lovers of that day, formally posing, as one did in those times, seem brand new to our eyes. And, by the way, quite common for their time. Where has all this evidence been, and why was it never taught to most of us?
At any rate, the film goes well beyond just Lincoln to discuss the matter of gay couples and customs that existed then, but didn’t, not openly, by the 20th century. Not that homosexuals didn’t have to be somewhat discrete, but it was nowhere near the level of people in the 1900s being arrested and jailed, just for being gay.
So, back to the headliner: was Lincoln, famously married to the troubled Mary Todd Lincoln, also in a love affair with a man? Many historians with the title of “Dr.” before their names say not only did he have a special someone close to the time of his presidency, but he may have had as many as several serious lovers, with whom he shared beautifully written love letters, written in his own hand, and long-term cohabiting.
Lover Of Men is an eye-opener and a fascinating history of gender roles, sexual identity and its fluidity. Directed by Shaun Peterson. It is available now on VOD streaming platforms for rent or to own. More info at https://www.instagram.com/loverofmenfilm/ and Lover of Men: The Untold History of Abraham Lincoln
Trailer: Here