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The Untold History of Abraham Lincoln

Lover of Men Film

Abraham Lincoln is widely regarded as the greatest president in American history, a transformational figure who guided the nation through civil war and paved the way for the abolition of slavery. But what if he was queer, by modern standards? Because historians say that may well have been the case.

With the help of numerous scholars, and drawing on Lincoln’s personal letters, a new documentary called "Lincoln: Lover of Men" makes the case that our 16th president had a series of romantic relationships with men. One of those men, Joshua Speed, shared a bed with Lincoln for four years, and, at the time, that likely wasn’t scandalous. Of course, conceptions of relationships and sexual identity have greatly changed since the 19th century. For Shaun Peterson, the film’s director, it isn’t so much a question of whether Lincoln had sexual relations with a series of men. The question is, are we okay with that? Peterson is among our guests as we delve into the complicated romantic life of an American icon.

To find out where to view the film, visit loverofmen.com

GUESTS –

Shaun Peterson | Director, “Lover of Men: The Untold History of Abraham Lincoln” [Webpage]

Dr. Lisa Diamond | Professor of Developmental and Health Psychology at the University of Utah

Airdate: Thursday, Sept. 12 at 9 a.m. and Saturday, Sept. 14 at 11 a.m.

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