Famous Historical Figures Who Were LGBTQ and Made History
Throughout history, LGBTQ+ individuals have made significant contributions to society, despite often facing societal repression and discrimination. Many historical figures, whose sexual orientations or gender identities did not conform to the norms of their times, have left an indelible mark on art, science, politics, and philosophy. While the historical records were often shaped by the heteronormative viewpoints of the eras they lived in, modern scholarship and growing awareness have uncovered the LGBTQ+ identities of many prominent figures. Their stories offer a more inclusive understanding of history and help to challenge the restrictive norms that have persisted for centuries. Some of these figures have left behind clear traces of their identities, while for others, their lives were marked by secrecy, symbolizing the difficulties of living openly during times of widespread intolerance. In this article, we explore the lives of major historical figures believed to have been LGBTQ+.
Leonardo da Vinci (1452-1519)
Renowned for his genius in art, science, and engineering, Leonardo da Vinci is often considered one of the most important figures in Western history. Although much of his personal life remains shrouded in mystery, it is widely believed that he had relationships with men. Historical records suggest that Leonardo’s close bond with his apprentice, Gian Giacomo Caprotti, and other male companions may have been romantic or sexual in nature.
Wikimedia Commons
The artist’s lack of documented romantic relationships with women further hints at his possible queerness. While the term “gay” did not exist in da Vinci’s time, his relationships with men have led many to classify him as an LGBTQ+ figure.
Virginia Woolf (1882-1941)
Virginia Woolf, the celebrated English writer, is one of the most influential figures of the modernist literary movement. Woolf’s complex relationships with women have been widely discussed in recent years. She had passionate romantic and sexual feelings for women, notably for writer Vita Sackville-West, with whom she had a love affair.
Source: Getty Images
Woolf’s writings, including Orlando: A Biography, have been seen as a reflection of her own struggles with gender and sexuality. Though she married Leonard Woolf, her deep emotional and sexual connections with women have positioned her as an icon of queer literature.
Tchaikovsky (1840-1893)
Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky, the famous Russian composer, is believed to have struggled with his homosexuality in an era when it was taboo. Despite the turmoil and emotional distress that his sexual identity caused him, Tchaikovsky produced some of the world’s most beloved music, including Swan Lake and the 1812 Overture.
Source: Getty Images
His letters reveal his deep feelings for men, particularly his unrequited love for a patron, Nadezhda von Meck. Although he was never openly gay, the pain he experienced due to his hidden sexuality permeates his music, often seen as an emotional reflection of his personal turmoil.
Elenor Roosevelt
Eleanor Roosevelt, the wife of Franklin D. Roosevelt, was a prominent American figure known for her groundbreaking work in social justice, human rights, and women’s empowerment. As First Lady from 1933 to 1945, Eleanor broke traditional roles by becoming an outspoken advocate for civil rights, poverty alleviation, and the rights of women and children.
Source: Wikimedia commons
Beyond her role in the White House, Eleanor made significant contributions to global human rights. She played a key role in drafting the Universal Declaration of Human Rights after World War II, marking a turning point in international relations and human dignity. Her advocacy for racial integration, workers’ rights, and LGBTQ rights further solidified her legacy as a champion for equality and justice.
Throughout her life, Eleanor Roosevelt’s commitment to social change and equality made her a beloved figure. She remains an inspiration to people worldwide, showing that compassion and advocacy for others can change the course of history.
James VI and I (1566-1625)
King James VI of Scotland and I of England was known for his close relationships with male courtiers, most notably Robert Carr and George Villiers. Modern historians have speculated that these relationships were romantic in nature.
Source: Royal UK website
Though James married and had children, his passionate correspondence with his male favorites and his preference for their company suggests that his relationships with men were not merely platonic. These connections have led to debates about the nature of James’s sexuality, with many viewing him as one of history’s most famous openly queer monarchs.
Sappho (c. 630 – c. 570 BCE)
Sappho, an ancient Greek poet from the island of Lesbos, is often regarded as one of the earliest figures in recorded history to express love between women. Many of her poems, which were written for women, express intimate affection and attraction.
The Museum of Fine Arts, Boston
The word “lesbian” is derived from the island of Lesbos, and Sappho’s legacy has made her a symbol of female homosexuality. Despite the passage of centuries, her poetry continues to resonate with LGBTQ+ communities, and she is often considered a foundational figure in queer literature.
Alexander the Great (356-323 BCE)
The legendary Macedonian king and military conqueror, Alexander the Great, is thought to have had close, possibly romantic relationships with several men, including his companion and general, Hephaestion. Ancient accounts describe their bond as deeply emotional, with some suggesting it went beyond friendship.
Source: Getty Images
Alexander’s relationships with women, including his marriage to Roxane, did not diminish the historical and literary evidence of his emotional and sexual ties to men. As a result, many consider Alexander a bisexual figure whose legacy transcends traditional gender and sexual boundaries.
James Buchanan
James Buchanan, the 15th president of the United States, held office from 1857 to 1861. He is often remembered for his inability to prevent the country from sliding into the Civil War. Buchanan’s presidency was marked by rising tensions between the North and South, particularly over the issue of slavery. Despite these challenges, his personal life has also drawn attention, particularly with regard to his sexuality.
Source: Wikimedia.org
Buchanan never married, which was unusual for a man of his era and social status. His closest personal relationship was with William Rufus King, a fellow politician from Alabama, with whom he lived for many years. The two were often referred to as “soulmates” by those who knew them, and their close companionship raised suspicions about Buchanan’s sexual orientation. Although there is no definitive proof, some historians believe that Buchanan may have been gay. This theory is further supported by the lack of romantic relationships with women and the deep emotional bond he shared with King.
Alan Turing
Turing also played a crucial role during World War II by decoding German encrypted messages, which greatly helped the Allied forces. His work in breaking the Enigma code is often credited with shortening the war and saving countless lives. Despite his immense contributions, Turing faced persecution for his homosexuality, which was criminalized at the time.
Source: wikimedia commons
Today, Alan Turing’s legacy continues to inspire the fields of computer science, cryptography, and AI. In recognition of his contributions, the “Turing Award” is given annually to individuals who have made significant advancements in computer science. His story highlights the intersection of groundbreaking scientific achievement and the ongoing fight for LGBTQ+ rights and acceptance.
Sally Ride
Sally Ride made history in 1983 when she became the first American woman to travel to space. A skilled astronaut and physicist, Ride’s pioneering mission aboard the Space Shuttle Challenger helped break barriers for women in science and space exploration. Though she was celebrated for her accomplishments, Ride’s private life remained largely out of the public eye.
Source: wikimedia commons
In 2012, following her death, it was revealed that Sally Ride had a long-term relationship with Tam O’Shaughnessy, her close friend and fellow scientist. Ride’s story continues to inspire countless people, particularly women and LGBTQ individuals, proving that courage, intelligence, and determination can make a lasting impact on history.
Sally Ride’s legacy is not only that of a space pioneer but also of someone who lived authentically and was true to herself. Her contributions to space exploration and advocacy for science education remain significant to this day.
Florence Nightingale
Florence Nightingale is widely known as the founder of modern nursing. Her contributions to healthcare during the 19th century revolutionized the field and earned her a place in history. However, what many textbooks often leave out is Nightingale’s close relationships with women, which suggest she may have had romantic feelings for them. While she never publicly identified as LGBTQ, her personal letters indicate that she had deep emotional connections with female companions throughout her life.
Source. National archives.uk
In addition to her groundbreaking work in nursing, Nightingale also pushed for healthcare reforms that dramatically improved hospital conditions, reducing mortality rates and improving patient care. Her pioneering efforts extended far beyond the nursing profession, impacting public health systems around the world. Today, Florence Nightingale is remembered not only for her compassion and courage but also for the lasting changes she brought to the healthcare system, making her an important historical figure whose legacy continues to inspire.
Marilyn Monroe.
Marilyn Monroe is often remembered as one of the most iconic Hollywood actresses of all time. Her beauty, charm, and tragic life have been widely documented in popular culture. However, much of the focus on Monroe’s life tends to highlight her relationships with the men she married or dated, overshadowing other important aspects of her identity.
Source: Getty Images
Monroe’s sexuality, though often speculated about, has become a subject of growing interest. It’s believed that she may have had romantic relationships with women, though these were never publicly acknowledged during her lifetime. Some historians and biographers suggest that Monroe had deep emotional and physical connections with women, which adds a layer of complexity to her public persona.
A Diverse and Inclusive History
The history of LGBTQ+ individuals is rich and varied, encompassing figures from across time, geography, and culture. Many of these individuals faced immense personal and societal challenges due to their sexual orientation or gender identity, yet their achievements have shaped the world in profound ways. From revolutionary artists and writers to influential political leaders and military figures, LGBTQ+ people have always contributed to the arts, sciences, and society in ways that defy simple categorization. It is essential to recognize these figures not only for their accomplishments but also for the courage they showed in navigating a world that often demanded silence about their true selves. Their stories offer inspiration to future generations and challenge us to continue to advocate for the rights and recognition of LGBTQ+ people today. While the historical records may never fully capture the complete identities of these figures, their legacy is a testament to the resilience and diversity of the LGBTQ+ community throughout history.
