The LGBTQIA2S+ Community Throughout History - Article one

  THE LGBTQIA2S+ COMMUNITY THROUGHOUT HISTORY 

- ARTICLE ONE

By: Devon Afquir 

Contrary to what some may believe, the LGBTQIA2S+ community has been around for centuries, though at the time there was no name for being attracted to people of the same gender or for not conforming to the gender a person was assigned at birth. Sexuality and gender were and will always be a part of history all around the world. This column will share queer stories- whether they are rumored or factual- from history.

ALEXANDER HAMILTON AND JOHN LAURENS’S LOVE LETTER LEGACY 

Alexander Hamilton was one of America’s most ambitious founding fathers. He wrote the federalist papers, became a lawyer, was a statesman, defended loyalists, fought in the American Revolution, and is rumored to have been bisexual. Despite this ever having been confirmed, his letters to John Laurens - A strong believer of freedom during the revolution, who fought on both sides of the war and a very close friend to Alexander - were almost as romantic if not more romantic than the letters he wrote to Eliza - his loving wife and mother to his children. It is almost certain at one point Laurens and Alex had an affair - making that two affairs Hamilton engaged in. The first being the historic affair with Maria Reynolds which resulted in the astounding Reynolds pamphlet that Alexander published to admit to the affair in hopes of refuting claims of financial misconduct in 1797.  

Anyways, back to his supposed queer-ness. In his letter to John who had left for South Carolina, April 1779 Alexander wrote: 

Cold in my professions, warm in my friendship, I wish, my Dear Laurens, it might be in my power, by action rather than words, to convince you that I love you. I shall only tell you that ‘till you bade us Adieu, I hardly knew the value you had taught my heart to set upon you. Indeed, my friend, it was not well done. You know the opinion I entertain of mankind, and how much it is my desire to preserve myself from happiness independent on the caprice of others. You should not have taken advantage of my sensibility to steal into my affections without my consent. But as you have done it and as we are generally indulgent to those we love, I shall not scruple to pardon the fraud you have committed, on condition that, for my sake, if not your own, you will always continue to merit the partiality which you so artfully instilled into me. 

The two of them expressed their admiration towards each other in every single one of their letters. 

In several letters John Laurens wrote in response, he was just as affectionate as Alex was. In most of Laurens's letters to Hamilton, he often signed off “Adieu my dear boy” Which was similar to the way he addressed his wife as “My dear girl”. 

It had been three years, Laurens and Hamilton fought in the battle of Yorktown (The battle that won America its freedom) and Laurens went back to South Carolina and took part in Skirmishes with the British troops. 

In a letter from Alexander dated August 15th, 1782 he describes being delegated to congress. 

We have good reason to flatter ourselves, peace on our own terms is upon the carpet. Peace made, my Dear friend, a new scene open. The object then will be to make our independence a blessing. To do this we must secure our union on solid foundation; an herculean task and to effect which mountains of prejudice must be leveled!

It requires all the virtue and all the abilities of the country. Quit your sword my friend, put on the toga, come to Congress. We know each other's sentiments, our views are the same: we have fought side by side to make America free let us hand in hand struggle to make her happy…

Yrs for ever 

A Hamilton 

It is almost certain Laurens never received this letter as he was killed in a shoot-out. August 27th, 1782.

After receiving word of John's death Alex was devastated. Eventually after months of mourning, Alex continued his life with his wife and had 8 children. 

July 11, 1804, Alexander was shot and killed by vice president Aaron Burr in Weehawken New Jersey. 

Despite this love story coming to a disappointing end I still believe it to have been real love between the two men.

 I myself am a huge theatre nerd and a big fan of Lin Manuel Miranda’s Musical based on Alexander Hamilton. I'm also a sucker for queer romance and absolutely adored writing this article. I’m hoping everyone can learn something new from reading this, I know I did while I was writing it. 

            - Devon (They/He/She)  

Written Feb 23rd 2023, Edited Jun 4 2025