By: Bryan Herb – Zoomvacations
Photo by: Syda Productions | Dreamstime.com
As we wrap up Pride month, it is interesting to contemplate how the world has viewed same sex love and gender fluidity over the ages. Throughout history, many cultures have recognized and celebrated same-sex relationships, often as an integral part of society. From ancient civilizations to Indigenous peoples and Asian cultures, homosexuality was embraced in ways that differ greatly from current views. Here are some key examples of cultures that historically celebrated same-sex love and nonbinary identities.
Ancient Greece: The Foundation of Homosexuality in Culture
Ancient Greece is one of the most famous cultures to celebrate same-sex relationships. Greek society accepted relationships between older men and younger boys—known as pederasty—which were seen as mentorship bonds that included intellectual, emotional, and sexual elements. Plato’s Symposium glorified the love between men, portraying it as a spiritual connection. One iconic example is the relationship between Alexander the Great and his companion Hephaestion, which was both romantic and deeply emotional. When Hephaestion died, Alexander commemorated him with extravagant honors, even deifying him.
Ancient Rome: Same-Sex Relationships Among the Elite
Roman society had a more complex view of homosexuality, with same-sex relationships being prevalent among the political elite. Relationships often followed the dynamic of dominance and submission, with the older, wealthier partner taking a dominant role. The relationship between Emperor Hadrian and Antinous, his young lover, is legendary. Hadrian mourned Antinous’s untimely death by deifying him and commissioning statues in his honor, showcasing the depth of their bond.
Islamic World: Celebrating Love in Poetry and Culture
In medieval Islamic cultures, same-sex relationships were celebrated in poetry and art, even if they were not officially condoned in later periods. Persian poets such as Hafez and Rumi wrote passionate verses celebrating same-sex love, blending eroticism with spiritual longing. The Ottoman Empire also saw same-sex relationships flourish, particularly in its royal courts, where young male lovers were often honored in the poetry of the time.
Asian Cultures: Same-Sex Love in China, Japan, India, and Thailand
In China, same-sex love was culturally acknowledged and even romanticized in the literature of the Tang dynasty. The “passionate friendships” between men, known as nan’er, were regarded as meaningful bonds, sometimes more intense than marriage. Similarly, Japan’s shudo (the Way of the Youth) involved relationships between samurai and young apprentices, often considered honorable and culturally rich.
In India, Hindu mythology contains several stories of gods and heroes engaging in same-sex relationships. The deity Shiva is sometimes depicted in homoerotic relationships, and ancient texts like the Kama Sutra discuss various sexual orientations, including homosexual relationships, as part of a healthy sexual life.
Thailand has a long history of fluid gender roles and sexual expression, which includes the acceptance of homosexuality. Traditional Thai culture has been relatively tolerant of same-sex relationships, particularly within the kathoey (often translated as “ladyboys”) community, which includes transgender individuals and effeminate gay men. Historically, kathoey people were respected for their unique role in society, with many performing in cultural performances, theater, and dance.
Homosexuality in Thailand has also been depicted in art and literature, and Thailand is still considered one of the more progressive countries in Southeast Asia regarding LGBTQ+ issues, particularly in urban areas where same-sex couples can be openly affectionate.
The Americas: Two-Spirit and Third-Gender Traditions
Many Native American tribes historically recognized Two-Spirit individuals, people who embodied both male and female qualities. These individuals were often respected spiritual leaders, shamans, or healers. Their roles were often marked by same-sex relationships, celebrated as part of their sacred identity. This acceptance of non-binary and same-sex love persisted in many Indigenous cultures until the arrival of European colonizers, who sought to erase these traditions.
The Inca Empire, though less often discussed in this context, had its own approach to same-sex relationships. While not as openly celebrated as in Greece or Rome, Inca society had designated roles for “warachikuna” (young male lovers) in religious ceremonies. These relationships were understood within the context of spiritual service, where male youths would sometimes form relationships with older, respected men. The reverence for duality, particularly the balance between masculinity and femininity, was central to Inca spiritual practices. Such relationships were often connected to fertility rituals and divine service, symbolizing the union of complementary forces in the universe. This duality was not only a social or sexual concept but also a cosmic principle.
Mexico has a rich, though often overlooked, history of same-sex love and gender diversity rooted in its Indigenous cultures. Among the Aztecs, same-sex relationships were known, especially within religious or elite circles. The deity Xochipilli, associated with art, beauty, and pleasure, is sometimes linked to homoerotic symbolism. While later Aztec rulers imposed harsher punishments for same-sex acts—likely due to growing militarism and religious conservatism—earlier periods were more fluid. The Spanish colonization of Mexico brought Catholic doctrines that condemned homosexuality, leading to the suppression of many Indigenous practices around gender and sexuality.
In southern Mexico, the Zapotec people have long recognized a third gender known as muxes—individuals assigned male at birth who take on feminine roles and are often respected within their communities. Muxes have historically played important social and cultural roles, particularly in towns like Juchitán, where they are celebrated through public festivals such as the Vela de las Intrepidas. Today, as modern Mexico increasingly embraces LGBTQ+ rights, there’s a growing movement to reclaim and honor these pre-colonial traditions, revealing a legacy of acceptance that predates European influence.
While attitudes toward same-sex relationships have shifted dramatically over time, history shows that numerous cultures have celebrated homosexuality in various forms. From mentorship bonds to sacred roles and spiritual connections, these cultures recognized the legitimacy and beauty of same-sex love long before modern struggles for LGBTQ+ rights began. These historical precedents offer hope and inspiration to today’s LGBTQ+ community, illustrating that nonbinary identities and acceptance of love in all its forms has deep cultural roots.