Abraham Lincoln’s marriage to Mary Todd spanned two decades, ending tragically with his assassination by John Wilkes Booth. However, intriguing questions arise about whether the 16th president may have led a double life involving male suitors. This exploration of Lincoln’s potential sexuality is vividly portrayed in the trailer for the upcoming LGBTQIA+ film, Lavender Men.
Drawing inspiration from Roger Q. Mason’s acclaimed stage play, Lavender Men delves deeply into the complexities of Abraham Lincoln’s sexual identity. Mason collaborated with the film’s director, Lovell Holder, to co-write the screenplay. Their partnership began with the successful stage adaptation that debuted in 2022 at the renowned Skylight Theater Company in Los Angeles, captivating audiences and critics alike.
Lovell Holder shared his insights with The Hollywood Reporter about his long-standing friendship with Roger Q. Mason, emphasizing the significance of their latest project:
“I never imagined that by 2025 we would officially release the feature film adaptation,” Holder reflected. “This film represents a true labor of love between close friends and trusted collaborators, filmed over the course of 10 days on a modest budget, fueled by our passion and adrenaline. We hope this film will serve as both a rallying cry and a source of joy, grounding, and purpose for the LGBTQIA+ movement, particularly in times when affirming and empowering narratives are more crucial than ever.”
The entertainment industry has previously examined the possibility of Abraham Lincoln’s bisexuality. For instance, the documentary titled Lover of Men: The Untold History of Abraham Lincoln focused on the speculation surrounding the president’s sexual orientation, stirring controversy among public figures, including Elon Musk and conservative commentators. Additionally, the comedic play Oh Mary! depicted Mary Todd Lincoln yearning for a cabaret singer’s life while suggesting that Lincoln used his marriage as a facade to conceal his true self.
Explore the Intriguing Plot of the Lavender Men Trailer
The trailer for Lavender Men introduces us to Taffeta, a lonely stage manager portrayed by Roger Q. Mason, who grapples with frustration over their production of an Abe Lincoln play. As Taffeta immerses themselves in their thoughts, they create a vibrant fantasy that explores the possibility of Lincoln having male suitors, particularly focusing on his legal assistant, Elmer Ellsworth. Taffeta artfully embodies every character in this imaginative mental stage play, transforming into an army cadet, Mary Todd Lincoln, and even a tree to convey their narrative.
The trailer culminates with Taffeta passionately declaring, “You can be anything. You can be anyone. I promise you, anything is possible.” For a closer look at this engaging project, you can watch the full trailer below:
Mark your calendars: Lavender Men is set to have a limited theatrical release starting May 2nd, with screenings in Washington D.C., Los Angeles, and New York City, where audiences can witness this groundbreaking film.
