This age-old question continues to be debated today. And while the term “queer” as we use it didn’t exist in the 19th century, historians and documentary filmmakers are now making the compelling case that the 16th president of the United States had romantic relationships with men throughout his life.

Lover of Men: The Untold History of Abraham Lincoln — a landmark new feature film — can be seen in theaters nationwide on Friday, September 6th; Saturday, September 7th; and Sunday, September 8th. Purchase your tickets here, and part of the proceeds will benefit the Human Rights Campaign.

Photos courtesy of Special Occasion Studios

The film examines the intimate life of America’s most consequential president, Abraham Lincoln. As told by preeminent Lincoln scholars and with never-before-seen photographs and letters, it details Lincoln’s romantic relationships with men, including his four-year intimate relationship with his lifelong friend, Joshua Speed.

Lover of Men also widens the lens into the history of human sexual fluidity and focuses on the profound differences between sexual mores of the 19th century and those we hold today. It is not only an exploration of sexuality and gender roles and identity; it also serves as an examination of contemporary American intolerance for gender nonconformity.

The Human Rights Campaign is proud to partner with the filmmakers in promoting this provocative new documentary, which directly benefits HRC with a portion of ticket sales.

Did you know that human sexuality was much more fluid in Lincoln’s time — and that our contemporary views of human sexuality and gender identity are both limited and limiting?

Lover of Men explores these dynamics and our more restrictive sexual mores with rigorous research, high academic standards and dramatic flare. It concludes that our 16th president, who embraced democracy and liberation as the basis of a fair and prosperous American future, was, in fact, queer.

Lover of Men fills in an important missing piece of Lincoln’s story and challenges us to consider why we as a society hold such limited views of human sexuality and gender identity. In this sense, it is also an exploration of sexual fluidity and gender roles and an examination of both American intolerance and human possibility.

And the subject has never felt more relevant than it is today, as we barrel toward a consequential election in which our freedoms — including our freedom to love who we love and be who we are and live openly with pride — are on the line.

Directed by Shaun Peterson, Lover of Men is a groundbreaking film. Experience this moment in theaters and celebrate our collective history together. See the trailer and buy your tickets today — and support HRC and our vital work to advance equality and liberation for everyone.

Support HRC by watching this untold history of Abraham Lincoln!

Lover of Men is a groundbreaking film. Experience this moment in theaters and celebrate our collective history together. See the trailer and buy your tickets today — and support HRC and our vital work to advance equality and liberation for everyone.

Get Your Tickets Today!