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.
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.
