New book coming out exploring if Lincoln was gay.

[L Verge]

(04-24-2019 04:18 PM)Eva Elisabeth Wrote:  

(04-23-2019 06:49 PM)L Verge Wrote:  

(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.

Wow, I have never heard of that. I admit I love it...I wonder where it comes from?
Obviously Wilde lectured in Springfield in February 1882 but didn't even stay overnight. This was a few month before Mary died, when she stayed at her sister's. I thought she wasn't reconciled with Robert earlier than June (if at all). However Mary TL. I guess would have liked Wilde...
http://oscarwildeinamerica.org/lectures-...field.html

According to what Alan Hunter said, Mary was enjoying every minute of Oscar's conversation and stories. This evidently made her son even madder. Go here for an article that Alan wrote several years ago about Wilde's travels in America. The last paragraph contains the Lincoln anecdote. If you keep reading down, you will get a sample of Alan's research on Oldroyd. https://alanehunter.com/tag/robert-todd-lincoln/