As a history enthusiast who values diversity and inclusivity, I must say that the film “Lover of Men: The Untold History of Abraham Lincoln” has piqued my interest immensely. While some may question the need to delve into the personal lives of historical figures, I believe that understanding their full story contributes to a richer and more nuanced understanding of history itself.
Despite the criticism from conservative commentators, the creators of the documentary titled “Lover of Men“, which delves into the possibility of former President Abraham Lincoln’s sexual orientation, remain proud of their work.
I’m absolutely thrilled to share that the groundbreaking movie by Director Shaun Peterson, titled “Lover of Men: The Untold History of Abraham Lincoln,” is now gracing our theater screens. This captivating film delves into the lives of Abraham Lincoln and his romantic entanglements with men, using conversations with eminent Lincoln scholars, along with dramatizations, and exclusive access to unseen photographs and letters, as its tools. The narrative centers around four significant figures in Lincoln’s life, including close friend Joshua Speed, who are believed to have shared a bed with him at various stages, as per the research presented in this film.
According to Peterson, I’ve been exploring this topic extensively since around 2007. What caught my attention was the fluidity that has always existed among human beings, long before the terms ‘homosexual’ and ‘heterosexual’ were coined in 1870. It’s this concept that these classifications are relatively new that fascinates me. These labels have been used to marginalize people, whether it was the psychological field or religious institutions in the past, and we can see their impact even today.
For two decades, Robert Rosenheck has collaborated creatively with Peterson. Despite being a long-time admirer of Lincoln, Rosenheck was unaware of the discussions about the politician’s sexuality until Peterson disclosed his plans for the project. This sparked Rosenheck’s interest and he became an active participant in the project.
Rosenheck recounts saying, ‘We ought to produce a movie that isn’t centered on Abraham Lincoln’s sexuality; it should focus on something more substantial,'” he explained. “This film conveys a tale that resonates with everyone. If you identify as queer, watching this movie may bring you a sense of release when you recognize that America’s most esteemed president might have been queer. However, if you’re not queer, the narrative is a universal exploration of acceptance and the way we marginalize others.
Rosenheck acknowledges that social media users have raised queries as to why a movie would focus on supposed speculation about someone such as Lincoln, who was known for keeping many aspects of his personal life private. At the time of his assassination in 1865, Lincoln had been married to Mary Todd Lincoln for over two decades.
The producer shares that the movie elicits various responses. Interestingly, those on the political left have shown skepticism, while individuals on the right, after viewing it, express surprise at the depth of its historical content, saying “That’s fascinating.” As a result, the film serves as an excellent topic for discussion and provides a fresh perspective when watched.
The makers of “Lover of Men” worked diligently on the film’s editing, aiming to complete it in time for the November presidential election between Donald Trump and Kamala Harris. Remarkably, the film premiered in cinemas only a few days before the presidential debate scheduled for Tuesday. The team views this project as a call to action, encouraging Americans to uphold and amplify varied voices and identities. However, it is worth noting that some conservative commentators, such as Elon Musk, Ben Shapiro, and Alex Jones, had expressed criticisms of the film’s concept before its premiere.
Peterson invites everyone, especially those curious about the movie, to watch it, keep an open mind, examine the evidence, and consider its potential meaning. He emphasizes the significance of being open-minded given the current times, as we’re shaping history and should learn from our past to better guide our future.
Regarding the reaction of the ‘Lover of Men’ team towards right-wing commentators mocking the film, Rosenheck comments, “We’re delighted when influential figures like Elon Musk take notice of our movie. The reason they find it intriguing is because it’s captivating. This narrative is thought-provoking. There aren’t many unique stories, and this film certainly stands out with its compelling hook.
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2024-09-10 03:25