New documentary explores Abraham Lincoln’s sexuality

Abraham Lincoln is known for seeing the country through the Civil War, helping to end slavery, and laying the groundwork for the civil rights movement. 

But there’s another aspect of Lincoln history that, until recent decades, had been much less discussed: his intimate life. A new documentary film examines Lincoln’s relationships with four men at different times in his life — building a case that Lincoln was, as the title of the film suggests, a “Lover of Men.”

The director of the film as well as a historian and history professor join the 21st to share their views on the film as well as Lincoln's sexuality. 

GUESTS

Thomas Balcerski 
Associate Professor of History, Eastern Connecticut State University 

Shaun Peterson
Director, “Lover of Men”

Michael Burlingame 
Chancellor Naomi B. Lynn Distinguished Chair in Lincoln Studies
Author: “Abraham Lincoln: A Life”