A new documentary, “Lover of Men: The Untold Story of Abraham Lincoln,” has sparked controversy with its claims that the first U.S. president, Abraham Lincoln, was gay. The film suggests that Lincoln engaged in intimate relationships with male partners, including “steamy gay sex sessions.” The documentary is set to feature never-before-seen photographs and letters, supported by insights from leading Lincoln scholars, that delve into the details of these alleged romantic relationships.
Exploring Lincoln’s Private Life
Directed by Shaun Peterson, the documentary’s trailer offers a glimpse into the lesser-known aspects of Lincoln’s private life before his presidency. It includes interviews with historians, scholars, and experts on Lincoln. Peterson claims that Lincoln exchanged numerous love letters with his close friend Joshua Speed over four years, highlighting an intimate bond. One such letter featured in the trailer reads, “Dear Speed, I shall be very lonesome without you, love Lincoln.”
Historical Context and Scholarly Interest
The documentary revisits a long-standing topic of interest among scholars and historians: Lincoln’s sexuality. Previous works exploring this subject include a 1999 feature story in Salon Magazine and the book “The Intimate World of Abraham Lincoln” by Clarence Arthur Tripp. These works, along with the new documentary, aim to shed light on the complexity of Lincoln’s relationships and challenge contemporary views on historical figures’ sexual identities.
Documentary Synopsis and Impact
The documentary’s synopsis promises historical evidence to support its claims, aiming to broaden the understanding of human sexual fluidity and contrast 19th-century sexual norms with those of today. “Lover of Men” seeks to fill a significant gap in American history and provoke thought about societal views on sexuality. It is set to be released in theatres worldwide on September 6.
Public Reactions
The release of the documentary’s trailer has elicited a wide range of reactions online. Elon Musk quipped on X (formerly Twitter), “Everyone already knows he was a gay vampire!” Others were more sceptical, with one user commenting, “This is a stretch… the man had a wife and kids. Let him rest in peace.” Some users pointed out that the topic has been discussed for years, while others criticized the film, comparing it unfavourably to the 2012 movie “Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter.”
The documentary continues to stir debate, with some defending its claims and others questioning the evidence. Whether it will change public perception of Abraham Lincoln remains to be seen.
