Unlike what many people think, being LGBTQ is not a new phenomenon. Because of the illegality of homosexuality throughout most of history, many might be surprised to learn that some of the most famous historical figures we learn about in school were queer. Some even spoke out about LGBTQ rights during their time. However, most of the time, many were forced to hide their sexual orientation due to laws and prejudice. Luckily, historians have been able to piece together the secret lives of many famous celebs and shed more light on their contributions to the LGBTQ community.
Eleanor Roosevelt
Eleanor Roosevelt was the wife of Franklin Delano Roosevelt and, without a doubt, one of the most influential first ladies in history. She has been credited with helping run the White House behind the scenes during the 1920s when America was embroiled in the Great Depression. We now know that she was also bisexual and had several partners who were women. Today, a cottage she built is listed with the National Park Service as an important LGTQ historic site.
While she had relationships with a couple of different women, one of the longest-lasting was with pioneering reporter Lorena Hickok. They wrote many letters to one another such as this: “I wish I could lie down beside you tonight & take you in my arms,” which Eleanor wrote to Lorena in 1934.