LGBTQ+ History Flashcards
Homosexuality in Ancient Greece
The most common and well-recorded form of homosexuality was the relationship between two upper-class males: one youth and one adult. This became an institutionalized practice in many regions of Ancient Greece called pederasty. When a boy reached age twelve or so, he became the erotic companion of a young man. For Spartans, the focus of this was the military training of the boys. For Athenians, the purpose was more for intellectual, character, and athletic training. There were also sexual aspects involved in this relationship. When the boys reached adulthood and therefore became citizens, this relationship ended and they took a boy of their own.
Was Homosexuality considered taboo in Ancient Greece?
In Ancient Greece, homosexuality was not considered taboo, and was often celebrated in art and literature. Many famous Greek philosophers, such as Plato, wrote about the beauty of same-sex relationships. One of the most famous examples of same-sex relationships in Ancient Greece is the story of Achilles and Patroclus. They were two warriors who fought together in the Trojan War, and many scholars believe that they were lovers. Additionally, there are many examples of same-sex relationships in Greek art, such as the famous pottery depicting two men courting each other.
What is Plato’s Symposium?
In terms of literature, Plato’s Symposium is a famous dialogue that explores the nature of love, and includes a discussion of same-sex relationships.
Homosexuality in Ancient Rome
Homosexuality was different for Romans as there was no institutional practice. Like Sparta, Rome was highly militarized. At first, the concern of homosexual relations was only about status and power. Like the Greeks, homosexual relationships were only acceptable between men of different social statuses, so free men could only be with slaves, former slaves, prostitutes, or young men.
Introduction of Christianity to Ancient Rome
The Christian takeover of the Roman Empire in the early 4th century criminalized and demonized all homosexuality. This began when the emperor, Constantine, used Christianity as his basis for ruling. The first enactment of the death penalty for sodomy was in 342 AD. After his death, the next emperor, Valentinian, divided Rome into East and West. In 476 AD, the West was overthrown and signaled the fall of Rome. However, Eastern Rome, or Byzantine, went on to survive for centuries after. In 533 AD, homosexuality became outlawed in Eastern Rome by the Justinian Code. The emperor, Justinian, then castrated those found guilty of homosexuality. The law was to punish those guilty by death, but that was rarely carried out.
In Ancient Athens, homosexuality was not illegal, but there were mixed feelings about men adopting a submissive role. There was a law that prohibited hubris, which included prostitution, sexual assault, and consensual relationships. Men who consented to being the submissive partner were often described as committing hubris against themselves. This law did not apply to slaves. There was no law prohibiting an Athenian male from consummating a sexual relationship with a free boy without using force or payment, but there were many statutes that addressed pederasty indirectly.
What is agoge?
In Sparta, pederasty was deeply embedded in the Spartan ritual system, specifically in the agōgē, which was an arduous training program that turned boys into soldiers. According to Plutarch, shortly after the boys turned 12 years old, they were favored with the society of lovers from among the reputable young men. Pederasty was so approved among them that even the maidens found lovers in good and noblewomen. There was no jealous rivalry in it, but those who fixed their attentions on the same boys made this rather a foundation for friendship with one another. It has been argued that pederasty originated in Sparta.
How did Plato and Aristotle feel about homosexuality and how did that affect ancient Greek thought?
In Laws, Plato argues that homosexuality is unnatural because, in nature, male animals only mate with female partners. Aristotle would reach the same conclusion, professing that, because males inseminate females, they must necessarily assume a dominant, active, heterosexual role. Plato, Aristotle, and Xenophon were unable to separate the idea of sex from biological reproduction, rejecting or failing to consider the modern notion that it is perfectly okay for people to have intercourse for the sake of pleasure, or that they should pick partners and sexual roles that they feel affirm their personal identities.
Before many African countries were colonized by the British and Commonwealth, they were a place of acceptance. In 16th century Angola, it was common to see men in women’s attire and in the presence of other wives. In the Yoruban language, primarily spoken in West Africa, there are numerous words that describe queer people and activities, proving their existence in traditional African culture. The languages, beliefs, and activities of African people before colonization are very accepting and casual regarding sexuality, and this history should not be reshaped through the lens of Christian colonizers.
Rome
Ancient Rome had a complex understanding of homosexuality, with men-on-men relationships being seen as desirable and proper, while lesbian love was frowned upon. Although they mimicked the Greeks, they partook in it, nonetheless. Understanding their history is important in recognizing how different civilizations treated love and how it impacts other cultures. This is, until word spreads of a man submitting to another; then they are ridiculed, like Julius Caesar after his rendezvous with the king of Bithynia.
Most people are familiar with famous lyric Poet Sappho, who was arguably the first lesbian influencer in history, however, there is a lot of other rich, gay history in Greece! One lesser-known example was the Poet Pindar, who produced content to be sung at events such as weddings and parties that mainly focused on men who loved other men. At the time, homoeroticism was somewhat reserved for the upper class, however, Pindar made his work available for all.
Homosexuality was present in imperialist China, with accounts dating back to the 1800s. Recently translated findings, such as anecdotes, poems, and other art forms, reveal the sexual fluidity of China. One of the most famous examples is the story of a duke and a court official, who exclaim their love for one another when sharing a peach. The term, “love of a shared peach,” was actually used to describe homosexual relationships for thousands of years. Although throughout many time periods in China, sexuality was rigid, and deviations were punishable.
Niankhkhnum and Khnumhotep were two (possible) lovers found in ancient graves in a traditional lover’s burial position. Despite being portrayed through art as facing each other with their noses touching, archaeologists assumed they were brothers. Although queer activities in ancient Egypt are not well documented, it’s important to recognize the possibility that queer people were likely present.
