LGBTQIA+ is Not New: Timeless Presence of Same-Sex Relationships in Biblical History

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As a proud heterosexual woman, I often wonder why there is such a strong focus on celebrating one's sexuality. Why can't intimacy remain private, away from public display? For those who share my curiosity, I explore these questions in my article "The Evolution of LGBTQ+ Visibility: A Historical Perspective." To understand how we arrived at this point, you might find my article "How Sex Ed Has Changed in Public Schools From the 1960s to 2024" enlightening.

But for today's article, I will examine how the existence of same-sex relationships and homosexual behavior is not a modern phenomenon or "new ideology." Through land and sea, across various cultures and civilizations, same-sex relationships have existed as documented in historical, biblical, and cultural contexts.

Ancient Civilizations

Ancient Greece and Rome

In Ancient Greece, same-sex relationships, especially between older men and younger males, were common and often celebrated. In fact, the Philosopher Plato often openly discussed the virtues of these relationships. He described them as "educational and mentorship unions or bonds."

Similarly, in Ancient Rome, same-sex relationships were accepted, particularly among the elite. Roman emperors like Nero and Hadrian had well-documented same-sex relationships. Hadrian's relationship with Antinous, whom he deified after his death, is a notable example. So next time you admire or are infatuated with a statue of a Roman god, remember this historical context :)

Indigenous Cultures

Many indigenous cultures have long recognized and respected a spectrum of gender identities and sexual orientations.

Two-Spirit People

In numerous Native American cultures, Two-Spirit individuals, who embody both masculine and feminine traits, hold special cultural roles and are often revered as spiritual leaders and healers.

Biblical References

The Bible mentions homosexual behavior in several passages, primarily in a negative context:

• Genesis 19:1-11: The story of Sodom and Gomorrah (my most recent article about that).
• Leviticus 18:22: "Do not have sexual relations with a man as one does with a woman; that is detestable."
• Romans 1:26-27: Describes men and women abandoning natural relations for same-sex relations.

Cultural and Social Perspectives

Medieval to Renaissance Europe

During the Middle Ages, the Church's influence led to the persecution of homosexual behavior in Europe. Despite this, same-sex relationships persisted covertly. The Renaissance saw a re-emergence of classical views on sexuality, though still constrained by religious doctrine.

Enlightenment and Modern Era

The Enlightenment emphasized reason and empirical evidence, challenging traditional religious views on sexuality. By the 19th century, Karl Heinrich Ulrichs and Magnus Hirschfeld started advocating for the acceptance of homosexuality.

Modern Understanding

Contemporary society increasingly recognizes the natural diversity of human sexual orientation and gender identity. You can choose to thank or blame advocacy and scientific research for contributing to this broader acceptance of LGBTQ+ individuals, focusing on inclusion and acceptance.

Thus, same-sex relationships are a timeless aspect of human history, existing across cultures and eras, and they are likely to persist. From ancient civilizations to today's society, the acceptance and understanding of human diversity continue to evolve. Perspectives on many issues are shifting—sometimes so gradually that we don't notice the changes until they are front and center in our daily lives. Whether we agree with it or not, there seems to be no escaping the changing landscape.

What do YOU think?

LGBTQIA+ in HistoryPhoto byAI