For those of you not familiar with the story, apparently Eleanor Roosevelt fell madly in love with (even then, known-lesbian) Associated Press reporter Lorena Hickok. For Hickok, it was clearly sexual. But my question is simply to what degree Roosevelt was complicit in it (i.e., knew what Hickok's true motives were). A couple of important points. At the time, it was not unusual for people to form purely platonic relations with members of the same sex. Now, homosexuality is what we first think. But not back then. Also, it is worth pointing out that lesbian affairs even today tend to be more personal, and less physical than their male homosexual counterparts. And finally, I have nothing against lesbianism. As many of you may know, I am actually a gay-American myself. If Mrs. Roosevelt were gay, I wouldn't admire her any less (all that she did for the country, the world). In fact, I would probably admire her even more, for being a pioneer even in this area. Well, I've said my part. What do the rest of you believe/think?
i don't think that's right. i think a good majority of friendships are between same sex people. homosexuality is not a consideration, at least until the friends become codependent.
I'm not going to type out an entire argument right now but I do think she had a lesbian affair for a long time. I have no issue with it at all. I'm just convinced that it was probably the case.
I will ask her ghost next time I see it. I am in their territory here. I love FDR. i feel a connection to him somehow, other than same birthdate....not year....but day and month. She looked like she was, and most think she was.......
Nancy Kulp who played Jane Hathaway on the Beverly Hillbillies reminds me of Eleanor. Nancy was also a lesbian....
My thought is just...even if she did...so what? She had a great friend who was there for here while her husband wasn't. He was a busy guy and also dealing with his own medical issues. He spent a considerable time away from her while trying to improve his own situation. He had his assistant who he adored very much. Eleanor embraced her as a family member. She was on the bus and everything seemed fine with their marriage. Good enough for me.
Wizard, I just saw what you wrote in random facts thread...That is why i will jump on thread such as this one. It is refreshing to talk about something around here...and not much else to enter into discussion or chat for me that I am interested anymore.
Franklin had a few affairs while married to Elanor. I heard speculation of Elanor's homosexual affairs as well. The Roosevelts remind me of Bill and Hillary. They didn't actually love each other; they were just partners in crime.
No way. Perhaps bisexual. I mean, come on, did you miss the episodes where her mouth was virtually watering whenever she was anywhere near Jethro? Next you'll be telling me that Jethro was gay, or that Ellie Mae was heterosexual.
