Gay emperor

Well, let’s go through a list of Roman Emperors who were in same-sex relationships and were very definitely non-binary. This has led some to claim that he was a transgender Roman Emperor – which seems a fair conclusion. Already on the older side of middle age, he went into semi-retirement on the island of Capri leaving the business of government to others in Rome.

Roman writers commented on his use of a female hair net by Elagabalus and removing hair from all over his body. But their tastes were very broad – to put it mildly!

Caligula is accused of incest with two of his sisters and demanding sex with the wives of senators. But what many people still may not realise is that numerous great figures from very long ago were known to have been gay or bisexual.

Hadrian the bearded Spaniard who rose to the top position in the Roman Empire. Antinous born a slave, freed, and lived as the lover of Hadrian. It’s a jaw-dropping list!

Kicking off the LGBT Roman Emperors list…with Julius Caesar

Julius Caesar: The Roman poet Catullus sarcastically commented that Caesar was “the husband to every woman and the wife to every man”.

The imagery shows the men embracing, holding hands, touching noses, and perhaps kissing. Many in the senatorial class engaged in LGBT activity, not just the emperors.

For a discussion of Constans' homosexual tendencies, see further DiMaio, Zonaras, 279ff."^[3]

In 350, the general Magnentius declared himself Emperor and Constans was killed.

This relationship, considered scandalous by the standards of the time, was marked by the perception that Caesar had assumed a submissive role, leading to him being mockingly referred to as “the Queen of Bithynia.”

This nickname, though derogatory, highlighted the prevailing notion that taking a passive role in a homosexual relationship contradicted the image of a strong, dominant Roman leader.

The strict societal norms of ancient Rome, where power and social status were paramount, influenced the dynamics of homosexual relationships.

His reign, which spanned from 218 to 222 AD, was marked by unprecedented behavior, rebellion against traditional Roman norms, and a unique blend of religious fervor.

Elagabalus earned his nickname from his devotion to the cult of Sol Invictus, a deity associated with the sun and, fittingly, the unconquered sun.

In any case, Antinous remained a celebrated figure for thousands of years, feted by Oscar Wilde and many other writers and poets.

3. Drawing clear conclusions is virtually impossible, but the historical context suggests that many emperors may have engaged in same-sex relationships based on societal norms.

Many Roman moralists, while not entirely condemning same-sex relationships, deemed them acceptable only in moderation.

This worship departed from traditional Roman religious practices and foreshadowed his penchant for challenging established norms.

How Elagabalus challenged Roman gender roles

One of the most captivating aspects of Elagabalus was his apparent disregard for traditional gender roles.

According to an oft-told story, the pair fell asleep one afternoon in the same bed.

Various speculations emerged, suggesting everything from an untimely accident, a jealous rival’s plot, or even Hadrian’s involvement. So, what are the stories and can we confirm the facts two thousand years later. With almost absolute power, Augustus posed as the defender of ancient Roman morals.

Should also mentioned that elite Romans were queasy about Caligula cross-dressing as he allegedly did.