Abraham Lincoln and the Debate Over His Friendships with Men

For decades, historians and journalists have been intrigued by the personal life of Abraham Lincoln, particularly his friendships with men. The question of whether the 16th President of the United States might have been gay has surfaced time and again, sparking debates and curiosity among researchers and the general public alike.

Lincoln's close relationships with men, especially his well-documented friendship with Joshua Speed, have been the subject of numerous biographies and articles. Publications across the spectrum, from Vanity Fair to The Guardian, have explored this aspect of Lincoln's life, and the topic even has its own dedicated Wikipedia page.

The Friendship of Lincoln and Speed

The debate was reignited when journalist Alex Abad-Santos highlighted an excerpt from a The New York Times article. The article described the "rare intimacy" between Lincoln and Joshua Speed, a shopkeeper in Springfield, Illinois. The two men shared Speed's bed for several years because Lincoln claimed he could not afford a mattress. This snippet became a talking point on social media, where users humorously critiqued the idea of Lincoln simply lacking bedding.

Many people see this as an example of how historians often frame potentially queer relationships as mere friendships. The enduring meme of "just roommates" highlights the reluctance to recognize historical figures as queer.

Exploring the Possibility of a Gay Lincoln

More recently, a 2024 documentary titled Lover of Men: The Untold History of Abraham Lincoln suggested that Lincoln may have had a secret gay life. The film, which includes historical recreations and unseen photos and letters, posits that this part of Lincoln's history is significant yet underexplored. One expert in the documentary noted that Lincoln probably shared a bed with more men than women during his lifetime.

The relationship between Lincoln and Joshua Speed has been discussed since the early 20th century. In a 1926 biography of Lincoln, author Carl Sandburg described their connection with a "streak of lavender, and spots soft as May violets," a phrase interpreted by some as implying homosexuality.

Other Close Male Friendships

Joshua Speed wasn't the only man close to Lincoln. In his 20s, Lincoln also shared sleeping arrangements with Billy Greene, another friend. Greene reportedly admired Lincoln's physique, noting that when one turned over, the other had to do the same, and he praised Lincoln's physical form.

Some modern commentators even engage in playful discussions about which of Lincoln's male friends might have been the most attractive, with some favoring Speed and others leaning towards Greene.

The Historical Context of Male Intimacy

It is important to note the historical context in which these relationships occurred. In the 1800s, it was not uncommon for men to share beds due to economic necessity or lack of space, and such arrangements were often not seen as unusual or indicative of a romantic relationship. However, the presence of a wife and children doesn't conclusively argue against the possibility of Lincoln's queerness, as marriage was often a social expectation regardless of personal inclinations.

Despite the extensive scrutiny of Lincoln's private life over the last century, the question of his sexuality remains unresolved. Scientific papers and historical analyses continue to explore this facet of his life, keeping the debate alive.

Ultimately, whether Lincoln's relationships with men were platonic or romantic may never be definitively known. The historical records and personal letters leave room for interpretation, ensuring that the discussion about Lincoln's life and loves will continue for years to come.