This section contains brief biographical sketches of men who have loved men through history. We have tried to avoid the use of any labels such as "homosexual" (coined in the 19th century), or "gay" (coined in the 20th century), unless they are appropriate to the period. (We are aware that we are not perfect, and have, on occasion, slipped.) The relationships presented here involve deep emotional bonds between men. While a sexual aspect to such a bond is usually a safe bet (at least on one side of the relationship)—including such desires when unconsummated—it is important to remember that the understanding of same-sex sexuality is no more limited to genital manipulations than is the understanding of heterosexuality. Our subjects' relationships with women are, with a few exceptions, not discussed because we really aren't interested.
To be included on this list, several criteria must be met. First, one must have made a significant contribution to culture or history. The contribution can be for good or bad. The need for significance automatically removes all performers (if you want to know if Tom Cruise is gay, go elsewhere), and those others in the arts whose contributions are too recent to judge for their influence on future generations. Some modern artists and political figures have been included because the editors admire them or there is a juicy story. Such determinations are strictly arbitrary and not subject to appeal.
Secondly, there must be some evidence of a love relationship with another man. Where known, we list the names of men who had significant relationships with the subject. In some cases, their same-sex affinity is generally known, but the names of lovers have not survived, or no long-term relationships were ever formed. (This list is not meant to be a complete exploration of the subjects' relationships.)
It is important to note that not all men appearing on this list actually engaged in same-sex relationships. In a few cases, men have been included because they appear, incorrectly, on other lists. We attempt to set the record, you'll pardon the expression, straight. Historically, charges of sodomy have been used very effectively to discredit and destroy political enemies. If our only evidence for man-loving is a charge of "sodomy" from the Catholic Church, we tend to discount it. Examples of men who fall into this category include Pope Julius II and Moctezuma Xocoyotzin (Montezuma). In other cases, such as Socrates, the argument that the culture at the time widely accepted such relationships and thus the individual must have done it, is faulty reasoning. More evidence (names, we want names!) is required.
A note on the country of origin: for the geographically challenged, I have used the modern English names.
