Members of the LGBTQ community know a thing or two about hidden messages. The world has not always been an accepting place for those who have sexualities different than what is considered “traditional.” However, more and more people are coming to the conclusion that sexuality is complicated and there is no right or wrong way for consenting adults to fall in love. While this modern acceptance might be nice, it comes after untold centuries of struggle. Throughout human history, there have been many prominent members of the LGBTQ community who attempted to tell their tales. Through hidden messages and cryptic stories, men and women have been able to express their true feelings on the page without fear. Explore some of these examples of literature featuring somewhat covert same-sex relationships and get a feel for what has come before.

Male Friendship 

One of the more interesting examples of literature that has been forgotten over the years is Bayard Taylor’s 1870 novel “Joseph and His Friend: A Story of Pennsylvania.” In this book, a young farmer named Joseph Aster marries a wealthy young woman. Sometime after their union, Joseph is in a train crash. While he is not hurt, he encounters a slightly older man by the name of Philip Held. The two form a fast friendship, with Held acting as Aster’s window to the world. The two have many conversations about life, love, spirituality, and more.

The language of the story and the interactions between the two men has led many people to believe Aster and Held were falling in love throughout the course of the book. This is furthered by the revelations that Aster has about his new wife and his lack of true feelings for her. The story is somewhat forgettable overall, and many critics found it to be one of the less appealing tales written by Taylor. Still, literary critics have held strong in their belief that “Joseph and His Friend” is one of the older examples of an American gay love story.

Banding Together

Love stories are not the only kind of LGBTQ tale told in hidden messages over the years. While homosexuality was not widely accepted in America until more recently, there were plenty of men and women who lived out loud and proud beforehand. This was especially true in time periods like the 1920s. Then, people were likely to explore excitement and bohemian ideals to counteract the more puritanical beliefs of the larger culture. The 1931 novel “Strange Brother” tells a story about a friendship between a young straight woman and a closeted gay man.

The author of this story, Blair Niles, is careful with the way that she handles the subject matter. Mark Thornton, the young protagonist of the story, moves to New York City because he feels like he is too different to live anywhere else. He meets June Westbrook and the two become fast friends. Thornton witnesses the arrest of a young black gay man on “crimes against nature” and begins to study the laws surrounding these crimes, realizing his own homosexuality in the process. Though injustice is a big theme, the friendship between Thornton and Westbrook is the main focus.

Plenty of Stories

People have been telling stories for as far back as recorded history goes. Though many of the tales that are shared over time are merely variations on classic ideas, it is interesting to note just how many current struggles have been going on for far longer than some might believe. A look back at literature with homosexual themes is enough to show that the battle for same-sex couples has been a long and complicated one. Some of these old stories might be dated, but they paint a clear picture of how far the world has come.