When we think about the way that people have expressed their sexual orientation throughout history, it's important to consider the ways in which they may have done so without explicitly naming or discussing it. While many scholars and activists alike may choose to focus on specific events or moments where queerness is openly discussed or even celebrated, there are likely a great deal more instances in which this was not the case - but still may have been present.
Some historians have pointed to depictions of same-sex relationships in art or literature as evidence of proto-queer identities, arguing that these representations can help us better understand how people navigated sexual desire and intimacy in times when being openly LGBTQ+ was dangerous and could result in persecution or violence.
One such instance is the relationship between Achilles and Patroclus in Homer's "The Iliad." In this epic poem, Achilles and Patroclus are presented as lovers who share an intense bond and engage in physical affection that goes beyond what would be expected of comrades in battle. Some scholars argue that this relationship reflects a deeper understanding of gender and sexuality than simply friendship, suggesting that it might have inspired other ancient Greeks to question their own desires and explore them in private. Similarly, the relationship between David and Jonathan in the Bible has also been read by many as a queer one, with Jonathan famously refusing to part from David despite his father's orders. These examples suggest that historical figures may have had a greater level of acceptance for non-heteronormative relationships than we previously thought, leading some researchers to suggest that there may have always been queer individuals throughout history - they just weren't able to express themselves freely due to societal constraints.
Of course, not everyone agrees with this interpretation of historical evidence. Critics argue that these depictions are too ambiguous to draw any conclusions about the real lives of those involved, pointing out that the same-sex nature of these relationships has often been emphasized more recently than it was during their original publication.
They note that these narratives often focus on male/male relationships, leaving out the experiences of lesbian and trans people.
They argue that even if proto-queer identities were present, they are still products of patriarchy and heteronormativity, meaning that they reinforce rather than challenge existing power structures. Despite these critiques, however, it remains possible to interpret these historical representations as evidence of a wider range of sexual desire and intimacy than we typically think about when discussing the past.
It is important for us to consider all the ways in which people expressed their sexuality throughout history - including those that may have gone unspoken or underground. By doing so, we can better understand how different cultures and societies understood sex and gender, and perhaps gain insight into our own desires and experiences.
Can historical depictions of same-sex relationships be considered evidence of proto-queer identities?
Historical depictions of same-sex relationships have been used as evidence of proto-queer identities, but this approach has received criticism from scholars who argue that it is problematic because it relies on stereotyped representations of queerness based on sexual behavior alone.