Kellor, FDR, and LGBT History

For years I had heard that Eleanor Roosevelt had bisexual tendencies.  But, as I have not researched her, I had no evidence.  Rather, I have been studying Frances Kellor (1873 – 1955) for years who lived the “male” role in a relationship with Mary Dreier (1875   - 1963) for 47 years.

 I knew that Kellor met, because of a revealing photo (see below).  It shows Eleanor greeting Kellor and Mary.  The short Kellor has her arm around Mary in a typical masculine posture of ownership.  These women shared their love for each other in front of Mrs. Roosevelt.

Recently, another photo of Eleanor, Kellor and Mary Dreier came my way.  And it shows an even greater intimacy with he LGBT friends. In this one (see below), Kellor and Mary are in a small boat with FDR, Eleanor and their sons!  They are in the back left.  Kellor has the white tie and Mary has her shirt somewhat open.

I received the photo from a great nephew of Antonia Hatvany (1894 – 1974).  The great nephew had been researching her and was convinced, independent of having learned about Kellor’s orientation, that his great aunt was a lesbian.

This relative’s research led him to the conclusion that his great aunt had moved from the old country (Hungary) due to a lack of acceptance of her sexual orientation. He claimed that the part of New Jersey in which his aunt bought a home was in a community that was known as a haven for LGBT persons.

The aunt is in the back right of the FDR photo, (she has a round hat with a brim).  Kellor and she wrote books together. So we have at least 3 LGBT women on the boat.  We don’t know who the others are, but it is interesting to note that one – like Kellor – is sporting a tie. 

This remarkable photo shows the high level of access that LGBT women had in the FDR administration.  And, FDR’s relaxed demeanor indicates that he himself had no discomfort with LBGT women.  Does Eleanor having her lesbian friends on a boat with the family show that she was bisexual?  No.  But, it does demonstrate the extent to which she included LGBT friends in close circles.  And, that alone is enough to make this photo significant.