New book coming out exploring if Lincoln was gay.

[L Verge]

(04-22-2019 04:16 PM)L Verge Wrote:  For an interesting "history" of the use of the word "lavender" in describing social culture, sexuality, etc. go here https://lgbt.wikia.org/wiki/Lavender_(color) It appears to be very much a 20th-century term -- just like "racism," which I fuss with people when they use it to describe culture of the 1800s and before. BTW: This article will tell you that the color "mauve" was used more to describe homosexual tendencies in the 19th century.

Talk about coincidence. Alan Hunter, who is finishing a biography on Osborn Oldroyd, was doing research at the Surratt Hall Center today, and in a separate conversation we were discussing the attitudes of Robert Lincoln in general. We both agreed that he inherited the Todds' rather snobby genes.

In one story, Alan told about the U.S. visit of the rather flamboyant Oscar Wilde and his invitation to dine with Mrs. Lincoln and Robert and his wife at their home. Oscar was being Oscar from garb to comments, including references to the MAUVE movement. Robert showed his homophobic tendencies by standing up from the table, throwing down his napkin, announcing his dislike of Mr. Wilde to his face and stomping out of the room.