Gay generals in history

Baron Friedrich von Steuben, a Prussian military man hired by George Washington to whip the Continental Army into shape during the darkest days of the Revolutionary War, is known for his bravery. Ernst Röhm, the highest-ranking gay Nazi, presents an interesting study in the construction and containment of masculinity by the right. A man in make-up and pearls condemning transgender people may seem counterintuitive, but Milo Yiannopoulos is hardly the first gay reactionary. The case of Ernst Röhm, the highest-ranking gay Nazi, presents an interesting study in the construction and containment of masculinity by the right.

In this case, being gay yet defending slavery. For some LGBTQ advocates, there is temptation to claim “famous historical figures” in order to highlight that queer people have always been integral to human history. But Confederate generals, if any were proven to have been gay, underscore a darker reality. Image: Busts of Hadrian and Antinous at the British Museum CC BY But what many people still may not realise is that numerous great figures from very long ago were known to have been gay or bisexual. The most iconic of all the Ancient Romans, Julius Caesar is famed for many things: his incredible military successes, his rise as a dictator, and his bloody assassination at the hands of his own senators.

Frederick the Great is one of history's most famous and adept military commanders. He's not Napoleon, but pretty damn close. The 18th-century Prussian king is credited with transforming a. Some made monumental contributions to various fields—the sciences, visual arts, academia, literature, music, and politics, among others—and did so despite the social pressures and oppositions present during their respective lifetimes, all while overcoming discrimination, political prosecution, social taboos, or undisguised bigotry. Some of these historical trailblazers may have been open about their identity, paving the way for others in their respective communities to operate and innovate in their field. Others may not have been out, with knowledge of their identity and orientation only known to a few during their lifetime, or have not come to light until after their life.

Friedrich Wilhelm August Heinrich Ferdinand von Steuben was a Prussian military officer who was openly gay. He is credited with turning the Continental Army into a professional fighting force during the American Revolutionary War. By continuing to use our site, you agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use. The queer people who ruled the world. From monarchs to prime ministers, these queer rulers showed a knack for the real-life game of thrones.