A quick, queer presidential history for Presidents' Day

George Washington and his Fabulous Military Teacher

Washington may have been a tactful general during the Revolutionary War, but he didn't learn everything on his own. While stuck at Valley Forge in 1778, Washington was desperate for assistance. His troops were starving, ill-clothed, and undisciplined.

In comes Friedrich Wilhelm von Steuben from Prussia.

Earning the title of 'Baron' for his military service to a German prince, von Steuben seized the opportunity to make a new life for himself in America. Of course, the towering Prussian had to make a sizable impression to whip the Colonial Army into shape. Von Steuben arrived at Valley Forge decked out in furs, brilliant red garments, and military metals, withsome observers seeing him as "a perfect personification of Mars (the God of War)."

Von Steuben didn't come alone. He traveled with his young male companion/secretary and would have relationships with two other military officers at Valley Forge. Washington was keenly aware of this but didn't punish von Steuben or his lovers. Of course, men were not the only thing on the Baron's mind. After all, he hada job. He quickly taught Washington how to run a capable army, clean the facilities at Valley Forge, and bring discipline to the ranks. So impressed with his work, Washington helped von Steuben be promoted to the rank of Inspector General, later drafting regulations and a discipline guide for soldiers which became known as the"Blue Book." This remained the US's official military guide for nearly 40 years and is still taught at West Point.

Von Steuben himself retired in upstate New York with his two male lovers whom he adopted. This was a common practice at that time for gay men so that upon his death, they could be his inheritors. Von Steuben was made an American citizen, andWashington thanked him for his "faithful and meritorious Services."

Eleanor Roosevelt and her Ladies

The presidents weren't the only ones to have queer stories and histories. So did the First Ladies. There's perhaps no more famous example of queer history in the White House than Eleanor Roosevelt. Early into their marriage, Eleanor and Franklin D. Roosevelt agreed to remain married following revelations about one of Franklin's affairs. However, the two served primarily as each other's professional partners more than anything romantic or sexual. This allowed for an"unconventional" and even "open" marriage.

Eleanor had many close female friends throughout her life. One particularly close friendship was with journalist Lorena Hickok, with whom Elanor exchanged more than 3,000 letters.Historian Susan Quinn noted that these letters were filled with "longing and affection and needing each other, wanting to be with each other." Eleanor was also close withMarion Dickerman and Nancy Cook, who were lifelong partners and lived just two miles from the Roosevelts in Hyde Park, New York. But was Eleanor herself a lesbian? If you ask me, I would say bisexual, especially given her reported affair with one of her Secret Service agents,Earl Miller.

Despite this rich queer history, today, we're seeing continued attacks on theLGBTQ+ community from the current president and his administration. There's a common myth amongst conservatives that queer identities are something new. But even our past presidents can attest that this is far from reality. Queer people have lived and breathed in the White House, have mentored presidents, and have been lifelong companions for others. This Presidents' Day, it's vital to highlight the history of presidents and those closest to them and how even from America's first president, we can and should celebrate the influence of queer people.