Relationship Between The Great Gatsby And Buchanan

In the 19th Century two men were in the Presidential closet; hiding all traces of their inert homosexual desires. One of those men was James Buchanan, who had a relationship with William Rufus King. The other man was Abraham Lincoln, who had affairs with several men. Although the acknowledgement of their sexual orientation has been ignored, it is quite clear they were gay.

There were several instances of President James Buchanan’s homosexuality, the most prominent involving William Rufus King. James and King were often called a couple and described as inseparable by acquaintances. They were so close that Aaron Brown, described King as Buchanan’s better half and wife. Insinuating a romantic relationship between the men due to the term …show more content…
Some of James’s letters showed a longing for King’s company. He described himself as alone with no companions, much of which describe a person missing their lover. One letter read, 'I have gone a wooing to several gentlemen, but have not succeeded with any one of them. I feel that it is not good for man to be alone; and should not be astonished to find myself married to some old maid who can nurse me when I am sick, provide good dinners for me when I am well, and not expect from me any very ardent or romantic affection.' The letter shows James trying to woo or date gentlemen after Kings left, which showed his attraction to males. James also showed a disregard for any romance with females by saying that he may be forced to find a woman, but hoped that he didn't need to have any intimacy with …show more content…
Abe and Speed had grown up together,sharing a bed for four years even after it was unnecessary. That fact alone was questionable, but it was not until later that the true intimacy of their relationship was discovered. The men wrote letters to each other ending with the phrases yours forever or forever yours. The phrases were commonly used as an expression of endearment between lovers, yet Lincoln used this in letters to Speed. The intimacy between Abe and Speed was shown more upon the discovery of Speed’s diary. Quoting the diary, "He often kisses me when I tease him, often to shut me up . . . he would grab me up by his long arms and hug and hug," The diary showed details of intimacy between Lincoln and Speed that were romantic. Lincoln and Speed shared kisses and hugs of a playful nature, which was unseen in society. Thus supporting the idea of Lincoln being gay due to his romantic gestures towards Joshua