A new documentary, provocatively titled Lover of Men: The Untold History of Abraham Lincoln, explores an alleged aspect of Lincoln's life that is rarely discussed: his romantic relationships with men.

This exploration of Lincoln’s private life aims to fill an important missing piece of American history, shedding light on sexual fluidity and cultural norms of the 19th century, as Page Six reports.

Lincoln’s Personal Relationships Under Scrutiny

The documentary, directed by Shaun Peterson, presents a contentious perspective on Lincoln's sexual orientation. Drawing from insights by leading Lincoln scholars, the film contends that the 16th president of the United States may have had romantic relationships with men.

The documentary includes previously unseen photographs and letters, which serve as crucial pieces of evidence in support of its claims. Scholars from prestigious institutions such as Harvard, Columbia, Brown, Wellesley, and Rutgers contributed their expertise to the film's narrative.

These experts explore how human sexual fluidity was perceived in the 19th century as compared to today's understanding and societal norms. Their commentary aims to challenge audiences' historically limited views on human sexuality.

Historical Insights and New Perspectives

One expert featured in the film controversially states, “Lincoln probably slept in the same bed with more men than he did with women.” This provocative claim emphasizes the close physical relationships that were not uncommon during Lincoln’s era but have since taken on new meanings.

The documentary also seeks to illustrate how intimate male friendships of that time were often expressed through shared living arrangements and close, personal letters. These relationships, often misunderstood by contemporary standards, occupy a significant portion of the documentary’s objective to present a fuller image of Lincoln.

While the documentary aims to uncover a more personal side of Lincoln, it also highlights broader themes of sexual identity and societal acceptance, contrasting historical norms with contemporary views.

Lincoln’s Sexuality in Pop Culture

The exploration of Lincoln's sexual orientation isn't confined to the documentary. It has also permeated popular culture, most notably in the Broadway show Oh, Mary! where Lincoln's personal life is humorously dramatized.

The production stars comedic actor Cole Escola as Mary Todd Lincoln, depicted as a “raging alcoholic and bored, acid-tongued housewife” by the New York Post. According to reviews, the show provides a comedic but insightful depiction of Lincoln's domestic life.

Set during the weeks leading up to Lincoln's assassination, Oh, Mary! imagines the couple's life with a twist of humor. It portrays Lincoln as an absentee husband, preoccupied with an affair with a young soldier named Simon, rather than fully attending to his wife’s aspirations.

A Comedic Take on Personal Turmoil

Variety described the play as “unquestionably the funniest, gayest, campiest play Broadway has seen in years.” This light-hearted yet poignant commentary adds another layer to the ongoing discussion about Lincoln's personal relationships.

Mary Todd Lincoln, as presented in the play, dreams of becoming a cabaret star. However, her ambitions are constantly thwarted by her unfaithful and largely absent husband, Abe. The exaggerated and comedic portrayal underscores the often-overlooked personal struggles of historical figures.

Meanwhile, Lincoln’s alleged affair with Simon is treated with a blend of humor and skepticism, prompting audiences to reconsider the socially constructed boundaries of Lincoln's sexuality.

Documentary Provokes Thought and Debate

Lover of Men and Oh, Mary! both contribute to a broader cultural dialogue about the complexities of historical figures’ private lives. This dual exploration -- historical documentary and comedic play -- offers a multifaceted look at an iconic American president.

The documentary aims to fill gaps in historical knowledge by providing well-researched insights and rarely seen personal artifacts related to Lincoln. By doing so, it challenges long-held perceptions of one of America's most revered leaders.

As these narratives continue to unfold, they invite both skepticism and intrigue. Whether the claims about Lincoln's romantic life with men will be universally accepted remains to be seen, but they undoubtedly add depth to his historical persona.

Reexamining Historical Narratives

Overall, Lover of Men: The Untold History of Abraham Lincoln and Oh, Mary! serve to provoke thought and encourage audiences to question conventional historical narratives. The documentary’s and the play’s contrasting yet complementary approaches offer fresh perspectives on a familiar figure.

These efforts to explore Lincoln’s private life and its societal implications reflect a broader attempt to redefine historical interpretations and bring to light the diverse experiences of historical icons.

Both the documentary and the Broadway show suggest that our understanding of history is ever evolving and that even well-known figures like Abraham Lincoln may have aspects of their lives that remain unexplored or misunderstood.