Part One · Looking Out of the Frame
Was President John F. Kennedy family? Here's what we know about his forgotten queer history. President John F. Kennedy was famous for his vivid, and some might say almost compulsive, heterosexuality.
JFK and his intimate relationship with his gay friend
Photo credit: Cecil Stoughton/Wikimedia Commons President John F. Kennedy has become infamous for his vivid, and some might say almost compulsive, heterosexual affairs. But straight men can have a gay side, and JFK’s life was filled with prominent gay men, friendships which open the door to other histories. At least one of these intimates, Kirk LeMoyne “Lem” Billings, was one of Jack’s. President John F. Kennedy may have had an intimate relationship with a gay friend from his prep school days, claims bestselling author Jerry Oppenheimer , who has written two books about the Kennedys. Former Justice Kennedy recalls key votes on gay rights, abortion
That he is believed to have been gay at a time when homosexuality was still illegal — even being somewhat open about his sexuality, including within the powerful Kennedy clan — exemplifies the. By continuing to use our site, you agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use. While some are currently wondering if we could soon end up with the first gay Vice President , others are busy speculating on whether or not we've already had a gay President! 
The gays are learning all about JFK's queer past
President John F. Kennedy may have had an intimate relationship with a gay friend from his prep school days, claims bestselling author Jerry Oppenheimer, who has written two books about the Kennedys. That was particularly true for the blockbuster decision legalizing same-sex marriage nationwide, Kennedy recounts in a forthcoming memoir. Justice Antonin Scalia lashed out against the right to same-sex marriage and also took a personal swipe at Kennedy.
JFK's Friendship with Lem Billings
He added, “It impressed me that Jack had gay friends.” When Billings and Kennedy met at Choate in the early s, homosexuality was a third rail topic. Their bond, which lasted over three decades, was characterized by deep emotional connection and shared experiences that transcended the conventional norms of their time. They were so close that Kennedy's brother, Ted Kennedy, admitted that he didn't realize Billings wasn't just another one of his elder brothers until the age of three. Frank Kameny, JFK, & the Case for LGBTQ+ Rights
In a word, yes. “We even know of one instance,” says JFK Library archivist Stacey Chandler, “where the Soviet Union discovered that one of JFK’s associates was gay and tried to blackmail him. “ Chandler went on to say that among Kennedy’s close circle, it “somewhat of an open secret that [Billings] was gay. . 
Was JFK bisexual? Here's what we know
John F Kennedy, the 35th US President, is often remembered for his controversial affairs. One such relationship was with his gay friend, Kirk LeMoyne "Lem" Billings. Their bond, which lasted over. .
JFK’s Queer White House
Looking Out of the Frame: Camelot’s Gay Court, , by Claire Bond Potter President John F. Kennedy was famous for his vivid, and some might say almost compulsive, heterosexuality. But straight men can have a gay side, and JFK’s life was filled with prominent gay men. First published on OutHistory in .