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Speculation -

Many of the leaders featured on this list were never overtly confirmed to be part of the LGBTQ+ community, and so scholars have used historical records to justify the possibility that they may have been queer. Click on to see who these leaders are!

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Pepi II -

Pharaoh Pepi II (pictured here on his mother’s lap) was an ancient Egyptian pharaoh who reigned from 2278 until around 2247 BCE and sat on a throne named Neferkare. Scholars believe that the tale ‘King Neferkare and General Sasenet’ is about Pepi, since it speaks of a homosexual relationship between a pharaoh and his general.

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Akhenaten -

Artifacts found in King Tutankhamen’s tomb suggest that Pharaoh Akhenaten (who ruled around 1350 BCE) may have been bisexual. Stone slabs depict intimate moments between Akhenaten and his general Smenkhkare, which has sparked debate among Egyptologists, especially as references to Queen Nefertiti as his lover vanish in his later years.

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Duke Ling of Wey -

Duke Ling, who reigned over the Chinese state of Wey from 534 until his death in 492 BCE, has been considered homosexual by experts. Historical texts describe his affectionate relationship with minister Mizi Xia, despite Ling’s existing marriage to Lady Nanzi. He is pictured here on the left.

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Hipparchus -

In 514 BCE, Athenian dictator Hipparchus made repeated advances toward the openly gay Harmodius, but he was rejected. Harmodius and his lover Aristogeiten eventually overthrew Hipparchus, which led to the establishment of democracy in Athens.

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Alexander the Great -

Alexander the Great, the renowned Macedonian king who built an empire spanning from Greece to India, shared a profound bond with his general, Hephastion. Philosophers noted Alexander's only 'defeat' was by Hephastion's thighs, and his death left the king deeply heartbroken until he himself passed in 323 BCE.

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Han WuDi -

China's Martial Emperor, Han WuDi, ruled from 141 to 87 BCE and is remembered as a prominent bisexual leader, embracing partners of all genders. One of the most significant partnerships that he had was with a musician named Li Yan Nian.

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Nicomedes IV -

Nicomedes IV was a Bithynian king who reigned intermittently from 94 to 74 BCE and was rumored to have had libertine escapades with people of all genders. He also famously kept a young Julius Caesar as his "queen of Bithynia."

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Julius Caesar -

Rumors of Julius Caesar's bisexuality circulated since the early days of his career. Historians have hinted heavily at an affair with King Nicomedes, whom Caesar visited frequently. Although this was possibly slander concocted by political rivals, his ongoing visits to Nicomedes fueled the persistent gossip.

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Ai of Han -

Han dynasty Emperor Ai, who reigned from 7 to 1 BCE, is remembered for corruption and being a puppet of his grandmother. Yet, history also celebrates his passionate relationship with male lover Dong Xian, despite being married to Empress Fu.

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Hadrian -

Roman Emperor Publius Aelius Hadrian, who reigned from 117 to 138 CE, is known for his fondness for male companionship. His most famous love was Antinous, a young companion who was deified by Hadrian after his tragic death.

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Elagabalus -

Emperor Elagabalus, who ascended to the Roman throne in 218 CE at the age of 14, embraced a life of wild excess. The transgender emperor defied norms, dressed as a woman, married five times, and pursued gender-altering surgery. Ultimately, Elagabalus' extreme behaviors incited rebellion, which led to their death, as well as that of their lover Heirocles.

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Al-Mu'tamid ibn Abbad -

A renowned poet-king of Seville in the 11th century, Al-Mu'tamid ibn Abbad is celebrated for his literary brilliance and his deep bond with his male companion and vizier, Ibn Ammar. His poetry often reflects themes of love and longing, which suggests an intimate and possibly romantic connection between the two.

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William II -

King William II of England, who ruled from 1087 to 1100, has been described by experts as gay, although the primary evidence seemed to be the king’s effeminate style and mannerisms. Childless and possibly murdered by his brother Henry, William's death remains shrouded in intrigue and speculation.

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Richard I -

Richard the Lionheart is often depicted as gay in books and films. Rumors of his sexuality stem from his close relationship with King Philip II of France, with chronicles mentioning their shared bed. While some historians downplay sexual overtones, others highlight texts suggesting undeniable romantic passion.

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Philip Augustus -

King Philip II of France’s bond with Richard I deteriorated in 1191 when Richard broke his engagement to Philip’s sister, Alys of Messina. Aside from his complex relationship with Richard, Philip’s romantic life primarily involved strategic political marriages to European royals.

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Edward II -

King Edward of Caernarfon reigned from 1307 until he was deposed in 1327. He had a close and controversial relationship with his adviser Piers Gaveston, and, despite their bond causing political strife, Edward brought Gaveston back upon becoming king, only for enemies to execute him. Edward was eventually forced to abdicate and died in captivity.

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Gongmin of Goryeo -

King Gongmin of Goryeo, who ruled Korea from 1351 to 1374, has been on record for having kept many male lovers (known as wonchung) in his court. Historical accounts suggest he formed deep emotional and romantic bonds with them.

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Henry III -

Henry III, son of Henry II of France, ruled Lithuania (1573–1575) and France (1574–1589) without producing heirs. Rumors of his homosexuality circulated, potentially as political slander. However, historians have found evidence supporting these claims, and have noted the king's intimate relationships with several male favorites.

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James VI and I -

King James VI of Scotland (from 1567) and I of the United Kingdom (from 1603) united his nation, and is also remembered for his preference for male companionship despite his marriage to Anne of Denmark. His relationships with Esmé Stewart, Robert Carr, and George Villiers are well-documented.

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Christina of Sweden -

Queen Christina of Sweden was raised like a son by King Gustav II and ruled from 1644 to 1654 before shocking Europe with her abdication. Rumors suggest that she may have been born intersex, and her intimate letters to lady-in-waiting Ebba Sparre revealed her same-sex desires.

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Ferdinando II de’Medici -

Grand Duke Ferdinando II of Tuscany (1621–1670) fathered children but famously clashed with his mother, Maria Maddelina of Austria, over outlawing homosexuality. When she demanded gay individuals be burned, Ferdinando is said to have added his name to her list and to have thrown it in a fire, defiantly declaring, "Voila, your command has already been accomplished!"

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Queen Anne -

Queen Anne, crowned in 1702, is said to have shared a deep and influential bond with Sarah Churchill, Duchess of Marlborough, who was an ancestor of Winston Churchill. Their close relationship has inspired acclaimed books and films.

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Gian Gastone de' Medici -

The last Medici Grand Duke of Tuscany, ruling from 1723 to 1737, Gian Gastone de' Medici produced no heirs and disliked his wife, Anne Maria Franziska. He preferred male companionship and maintained a relationship with a valet named Giuliano Dami, who often organized lavish gatherings with young male escorts.

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Frederick the Great -

Frederick the Great, King of Prussia from 1740 to 1786, had many close male friendships that caused speculation about his sexuality, particularly with Hans Hermann von Katte and Voltaire. The king was also famously quoted with saying, "Fortune has turned her back on me. She is a woman, and I am not that way inclined."

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Qianlong -

Qianlong, a Confucian ruler of the Qing dynasty, reigned from 1735 to 1799 and, at age 65, developed a close and controversial bond with guardsman Heshen, who rose swiftly in power. Historians speculate their relationship was romantic, which was a common practice of the era.

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Friedrich Wilhelm von Steuben -

Prussian military officer Friedrich Wilhelm von Steuben played a crucial role in training the Continental Army during the American Revolution. Historians note that von Steuben, who never married, formed close relationships with young male aides, and his suspected homosexuality was well documented among contemporaries.

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Empress Elisabeth of Austria -

More commonly known as “Sisi,” Empress Elisabeth of Austria was a celebrated 19th-century beauty and free spirit. Believed by many to be asexual, some historians have pointed out that Elisabeth formed deep emotional bonds with both men and women over much of her life.

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Ferdinand I of Bulgaria -

The former Tsar of Bulgaria, Ferdinand I, reigned from 1887 to 1918 and was known for his sophisticated and flamboyant personality. Following claims of his numerous affairs with people of various genders, historians have considered him bisexual.

Sources: (The Advocate) (Britannica) (Business Insider) (National Geographic) (History)

See also: The world's biggest LGBT pride celebrations

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