9 Historical Figures You Might Not Know Were LGBTQ+

February in Britain brings a heartfelt celebration known as LGBTQ+ History Month. It's a time when we pause and appreciate all that queer individuals have contributed throughout history. We're pretty familiar with today's LGBTQ+ icons, but how many openly queer figures can you name from before 1900? Finding them isn't easy, yet historians have dug deep and uncovered many such stories, enriching our understanding and appreciation.

Unearthing lost LGBTQ+ figures from history

Let's take a look at nine historical personalities whose queer identities have come out over time, shedding light on their remarkable contributions and shaping society in surprising ways.

Leonardo da Vinci: artistic visionary and openly gay icon

Leonardo da Vinci isn't just remembered as a Renaissance genius famous in Florence; he's also recognized as a man who lived openly as gay in a time when that was rare. Walter Isaacson's biography, "Leonardo da Vinci," reveals his close relationships with men, reflections on male sexuality in his art, and even accusations he faced. His writings are filled with thoughts on love and attraction toward men.

Florence Nightingale: nursing pioneer with a hidden love

The legendary founder called "The Lady with The Lamp" also had a softer side that often gets overshadowed. Florence Nightingale had deep relationships with women, as shown in books like "Superstars: Twelve Lesbians Who Changed The World." Her bond with her cousin Marianna Nicholson was so intense that she sometimes posed as her brother Henry just so they could be together freely.

King James VI and I: a king with a tender heart

We all know King James VI and I as a royal patron who commissioned a version we often read—the King James Bible. But did you know he also had romantic liaisons with men? His affection toward Robert Carr, made Earl, and George Villiers, dubbed Duke, are captured in their letters. Villiers even declared his love openly, pointing out their intimate bond.

Selma Lagerlö f: a Nobel-worthy love story

Selma Lagerlö f was a groundbreaking author and a trailblazer in many ways. The first woman ever awarded a Nobel Prize in Literature, she shared a life full with writer Sophie Elkan. Their letters, found in "Du lär mig att bli fri," unveil a deep, enduring love that left a mark not just in literature but also in Swedish culture, even appearing on currency.

William Shakespeare: exploring love in iambic pentamer

William Shakespeare's love life has long intrigued scholars. Many, like Sir Ian McKellen, think he might've had relationships with men. It's evident in his plays, which explore gender and identity. His sonnets, especially those dedicated lovingly toward men, give us a glimpse inside his romantic perspectives.

Roberta Cowell: a pioneer in transgender history

Roberta Cowell was more than a World War II fighter pilot and racing car driver. She was a trailblazer—the first in Britain known publicly as a trans woman after pioneering gender confirmation surgery. Her courageous journey sparked change, paving paths and inspiring many more in times ahead.

Richard I: a lionheart with untold stories

Richard I, famously known as Richard The Lionheart, might've had a romantic connection with Philip II Of France. Though historical records hint at their close bond, Richard's distance from his wife and lack thereof adds more intrigue toward his love story.

Caroline Spurgeon: an academic love story

As one helluva academic rockstar, Caroline Spurgeon paved new roads. Being London's first female professor didn't stop her from living authentically, sharing life with civil servant Lilian Claphan. Their shared grave, designed personally by Caroline, sums it up sweetly—a "happy life together."

Julius Caesar: ancient whispers echo

Even mighty Julius Caesar couldn't escape whispers. Rumors swirled around his bond with King Nicomedes IV Of Bithynia, used politically against him, yet providing invaluable glimpses inside one iconic leader's private moments. From artists and monarchs, poets, or pioneers—these lives prove how rich and varied LGBTQ+ experiences have always been, no matter how time slips away. By remembering and celebrating them, we're drawing from a deep well brimming full with human experience that continues enriching history daily!