The creators of Lover of Men, a new documentary exploring the possibility that Abraham Lincoln may have had romantic relationships with men, are standing proud despite trolling from conservative figures.
Director Shaun Peterson’s film, Lover of Men: The Untold History of Abraham Lincoln, is currently in theaters and will be available on VOD starting October 8. The documentary draws on interviews with leading Lincoln scholars, dramatizations, and newly uncovered letters and photographs, suggesting Lincoln’s close bonds with four men, including his lifelong friend Joshua Speed, could have been more than platonic.
Peterson has been researching this subject since 2007, fascinated by the fluidity of human relationships in history long before terms like “homosexual” and “heterosexual” came into use in the late 19th century. “What really drew me in was the realization that these binaries are very modern inventions,” Peterson explains. “Historically, they’ve been used to marginalize people, whether by the psychological community or religious institutions, and that carries into today.”
Peterson’s creative partner and the film’s producer, Robert Rosenheck, has been a fan of Lincoln for years but only learned about the discussions surrounding Lincoln’s sexuality through Peterson. He was immediately on board when the project was proposed. “I told Shaun, ‘This movie isn’t just about Lincoln being queer—it has to be about something bigger,’” Rosenheck says. “The film tells a universal story about how we perceive and label others. For queer viewers, it’s a moment of catharsis to see America’s greatest president in this light. For everyone else, it’s a message about tolerance and the danger of ‘othering’ people.”
Rosenheck acknowledges that the film has sparked conversations across the political spectrum, including skepticism from people on both sides. While Lincoln was famously private about his personal life and was married to Mary Todd Lincoln for over two decades, the documentary’s focus on lesser-known aspects of his relationships has intrigued many. “We’ve had people from the left express doubt, and even some on the right have watched the film and found it eye-opening,” Rosenheck says. “It’s definitely a conversation starter.”
The filmmakers were also conscious of the timing of the release, aiming to have the documentary ready for the November presidential election. They see the film as a call to action for Americans to embrace diverse stories and perspectives, even as high-profile conservative figures like Elon Musk, Ben Shapiro, and Alex Jones have criticized the concept.
Peterson hopes those critics will eventually give the documentary a fair viewing. “I would encourage anyone with doubts to actually watch the film and engage with the evidence and message we’re presenting,” he says. “We’re at a moment in history where open-mindedness is crucial. To understand our future, we need to take a close look at the past.”
As for the backlash from prominent conservatives, Rosenheck sees it as validation. “We’re excited when people like Elon Musk take notice because it shows the film is striking a chord,” he says. “This story is provocative and original. There aren’t many stories like it, and it certainly has a hook.”