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A brief history of LGBT involvement in presidential campaigns
Gays and lesbians long active in quests for the Oval Office
William Rufus King, Franklin Pierce’s vice president, was known for his flamboyant fashion sense. (Image courtesy Wikimedia Commons)
Editor’s note: Mark Carlson-Ghost is an associate professor at the Minnesota School of Professional Psychology at Argosy University. The following is taken from research he’s conducting for an upcoming book called ‘The Lavender White House: Queer Lives, American Presidents.’ He can be found online at markcarlson-ghost.com.
With Anderson Cooper having moderated the Oct. 9 debate, Robby Mook running Hillary Clinton’s campaign and Peter Thiel and transgender activist Sarah McBride speaking at the party conventions, this year may well be a turning point for LGBT involvement in presidential campaigns. But the truth is queer men and women have been trying to influence the outcomes of presidential elections for a very long time. Or, at least, men and women we might reasonably consider queer today.
Buchanan and King, comrades in campaigning
Long before James Buchanan won the presidency himself, the bachelor congressman from Pennsylvania aspired to be a power broker in the contested election of 1824. In a meeting with Andrew Jackson he attempted to solicit inside information, but a disorder of the eye made the war hero think that Buchanan was winking at him conspiratorially.
By 1844, Buchanan was inseparable from Alabama Sen. William Rufus King, the two were referred to “the Siamese twins.” King was fond of jewelry and powdered wigs long after they were out of fashion. Buchanan and King had entertained hopes to run as a North/South ticket that year. When the odds of that dimmed, King considered running as a vice president with someone else.
Aaron Brown, a congressman from Tennessee, summarized these goings on in a letter to a friend. Considering a “divorce,” Brown wrote, “Aunt Fancy can now be seen every day in her best clothes,” seeking a more politically advantageous running mate. Neither man got on the ticket that year.
After another failed attempt at a joint run, King was chosen to run as vice president with Franklin Pierce in 1852. The two men won the election, but King’s health was failing and he’d traveled to Cuba for a rest cure. Sadly, King died a few weeks later. Buchanan finally became president in 1856, just in time to preside over the break-up of the Union. Some guys just can’t seem to catch a break.
Lincoln’s queer campaigners
In 1860, noted author Bayard Taylor campaigned for Abraham Lincoln and won himself a diplomatic post in Russia as a result. Likely bisexual, Taylor later wrote “Joseph and His Friend,” the first American novel celebrating love between two men.
Anna Dickinson, America’s most celebrated female orator, was in the midst of ripping on Lincoln during the 1864 campaign when the Lincolns just happened to enter the lecture hall. To the surprise of those gathered, the never-married Dickinson ended up publicly endorsing him.
Susan B. Anthony, who was actively supporting Lincoln’s opponent, found it hard to stay mad at the fetching Dickinson, with whom she was actively flirting. As Lillian Faderman has detailed, a surprisingly passionate Anthony wrote Dickinson that she hoped to “snuggle” her and hold her “in these strong arms of mine,” assuring the orator that her bed was “big enough … to take you in.”
Years later, Dickinson was hired by the Republican Party to give speeches across the country on behalf of their 1888 candidate, Benjamin Harrison. Harrison won, but Dickinson felt the Republicans only paid her part of what they’d agreed upon. It turned out to be Dickinson’s last hurrah on the national stage.
Scandals, secrets in the 20th century
Warren Harding’s 1920 campaign for president had two old cronies from Ohio at his side, Harry Daugherty and Jess Smith. Once president, Daugherty became attorney general and Smith helped Mrs. Harding pick out clothes. As Carl Sferrazza Anthony recounts, while both men had married, they lived together and the Hardings treated them socially as a couple. Smith would be found dead in their apartment under mysterious circumstances.
When Lorena Hickok was assigned to cover Franklin Roosevelt’s first presidential campaign in 1932, she reportedly fell for his wife. Eleanor Roosevelt’s bisexuality is well documented as is her contribution to her husband’s political success and substantial accomplishments in her own right.
Dwight D. Eisenhower felt he had to seek the resignation of Arthur Vandenberg, Jr., a key player in his 1952 bid for the presidency. FBI Director J. Edgar Hoover had informed the president-elect that Vandenberg was a homosexual, ignoring the admonition about those in glass houses.
By 1960, “Lem” Billings, arguably John F. Kennedy’s best friend, actively worked to get him elected. Billings’s homosexuality was an open secret to those who knew him well.
John F. Kennedy with life-long pal Lem Billings whose homosexuality was an open secret to those who knew him. (Photo courtesy the JFK Library)
Lyndon Johnson’s long-time right-hand man, Walter Jenkins, was also a trusted friend. But then Jenkins, a married man with six children, was arrested for soliciting another man at a YMCA restroom mere weeks before the 1964 presidential election. Johnson reluctantly had to cut Jenkins loose, but he never abandoned their friendship.
LGBT campaigning in an era of gay rights
Midge Costanza’s role as an early Jimmy Carter campaigner in New York in 1976 won her a spot in the Carter administration. She proudly served as Carter’s liaison with the public, but her advocacy for abortion rights and gay liberation ultimately became a distraction for Carter and she was let go.
Gay media mogul David Geffen was a key player in raising funds for Bill Clinton’s 1992 and 1996 campaigns, but would switch loyalties when Hillary squared off against the newcomer, Barack Obama.
Ken Melhman’s role in George W. Bush’s re-election bid in 2004 is equally well known, though not so fondly remembered. He came out in 2010. Mehlman’s later support of same-sex marriage was seen by some as an attempt at redemption.
Will Rachel Maddow’s multiple interviews with press shy Hillary Clinton be written up in later presidential histories? Only time will tell. In any case, it won’t be the first time a queer figure played her part on the largest of political stages.
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Summer in the City: Free exhibits, movies, more fill D.C.’s calendar
America 250 celebrations continue
From late-night museum visits and outdoor jazz concerts to free movie screenings and America250 exhibitions, Washington’s summer calendar is packed with events that don’t charge admission. Here’s a look at some of the free activities happening across the District through September and beyond.
Museum exhibitions
The Renwick Gallery is presenting State Fairs: Growing American Craft, an exhibition that looks at unique and unconventional crafts from the 19th century to the present. It will run until Sept. 7, and admission is free.
The Arts and Industries Building, located next to the Smithsonian Castle, is presenting the exhibition Voices and Votes: Exploring Democracy Across America. The exhibition features the development of American independence and what that has meant over time, beginning with the Revolutionary War. Admission to the museum is free, and the exhibition runs until Sept. 7.
The National Gallery of Art presents Dear America, an exhibit featuring more than 100 pieces of work, including letters, photographs, and drawings that depict American landscapes and depictions of freedom. The exhibition will run until Sept. 20.
The National Museum of Women in the Arts is exhibiting Burnished: Pueblo Pottery until Sept. 27. The exhibit features pottery from the Southwest, and while most of the pottery belongs to women artists, a few also reflect those who have advocated for women.
Extending past this summer, the exhibition ¡Puro Ritmo! The Musical Journey of Salsa will be at the National Museum of the American Latino until July 2028. The exhibition shows how Afro-Cuban music has become a staple in the U.S. Admission is free.
The Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Library will feature the exhibition District Vibes / American Pride: How DC Changed American Culture, which will highlight all of the ways D.C. has impacted American life. The exhibit will run until Sept. 27.
At the Folger Shakespeare Library, the exhibit Imagining Shakespeare: Mythmaking and Storytelling in the Regency Era will be on view through Aug. 2. All the portraits on display come from the Boydell Shakespeare Gallery in London.
The United States Botanic Garden will be open until 8 p.m. on Aug. 20 and Sept. 17, as part of America’s State Flowers: An America250 Celebration. The evenings will include live music, mocktails, ice cream, and snacks.
The National Gallery of Art Sculpture Garden will have extended hours, staying open until 8 p.m. Wednesday to Saturday until Sept. 3.
Live performances
On Aug. 7, the postgame Nationals concert series will continue with Jordan Davis performing. To see the concert, guests just need to buy tickets to the Nationals game.
Jazz in the Garden will run each Friday until Aug. 14. The event has free admission, but those interested have to enter a lottery due to the high demand for the event.
From May to October, Capital Harvest Market occurs every Wednesday from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. at the Ronald Reagan Building and International Trade Center. The market features fresh foods, crafts, and recipes for unique dishes. A full list of vendors is available on Capital Harvest’s website.
Live! Concert Series on the Plaza will feature live performances at Woodrow Wilson Plaza until Sept. 25. The performances run Monday to Friday from 12-1 p.m. Admission is free to the performances.
DowntownDC Live! at Anthem Row is running until July 30, with free performances every Thursday from 5:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. The final performance will feature HUE and a vintage flea market hosted by Get Flee Marketplace.
Located in Adams Morgan, AdMo Vibe will present live performances every Thursday at 6 p.m. in Kalorama Park. Guests are encouraged to check out Adams Morgan before and after shows, and it is an event for all ages.
Other events
Union Market is hosting drive-in movies on Aug. 8, featuring “Monsters, Inc.”, and Sept. 12, featuring “Wicked.” On Aug. 8, the parking lot will open at 7:30 p.m., with the movie starting at 8:25 p.m. On Sept. 12, the parking lot will open at 6:35 p.m., and the movie will start at 7:30 p.m.
Sunset Cinema at the Wharf will also be available one day a month. On Aug. 12, “10 Things I Hate About You” will premiere, and on Aug. 26, “Project Hail Mary.” No tickets are necessary.
The Library of Congress will also show movies. On Aug. 6, guests are invited to watch “Apollo 13.” The movie will be shown at 8 p.m., with additional live performances beginning at 7 p.m.
For fans of Asian media, the Okaton convention will be at Walter E. Washington Convention Center from July 31-Aug. 2. Festivities will include cosplay contests, skits, live music, and panel discussions.
Washington Spirit’s season also begins in August. The Spirit is Washington’s National Women’s League, with matchups occurring between the San Diego Wave, the North Carolina Courage, the Orlando Pride, and the Bay FC.
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Summer in D.C. brings sports, Restaurant Week, festivals, and more
Summer in D.C. just hits different. Congress is out, school is out, the sun is out, thighs are out. With the skies clearing from Canadian smoke, here are a few ways to stay entertained.
Dining
Summer restaurant week: The Restaurant Association of Metropolitan Washington (RAMW) is once again hosting Summer Restaurant Week, Aug. 18-24. This weeklong dining experience showcases the dynamic dining scene of the DMV, including 2026 RAMMY Award-winning favorites (the annual D.C. food awards show that took place June 29). Participating restaurants will offer three-course brunch and lunch selections for $25 or $35 per person, and three-course dinners for $40, $55 and $65 per person.
New Restaurants: A handful of new spots have opened, so the summer is a great time to check them out:
- Oribu: A new Mediterranean-Japanese restaurant in the Grand Hyatt hotel, which just underwent a remodeling effort. The sleek restaurant brings upscale charm, with dishes like Wagyu beef tartare with potato pavé and caviar.
- The Oak Room: A snazzy old-school American grill has just opened in Georgetown, alongside its sister upstairs supper club (Bernadette’s) restaurant, in the old El Centro space.
- Uchi: This showy Japanese sushi-forward chain has landed in Dupont with a chef’s tasting menu of favorites like fatty tuna.
- Kathmandu: Recalling the capital of Nepal, this warm, buzzy subterranean restaurant right in the heart of U Street brings spice, flair, and rare ingredients to its dishes (see: buffalo burgers) and drinks.
Sports
- Washington Spirit Pride Night OUT: On Sunday, Aug. 23, head to Audi Field for a massive, high-energy game following the exciting month of World Cup. The designated Pride Night OUT game promises boisterous crowds plus pre- and post-game community engagements.
- Washington Tennis Open – Now called the Mubadala DC Open, this annual tournament is only combined mens’ and womens’ 500-level tennis tournament in the world. The open is one of D.C.’s longest-standing sports traditions, and will take place at the Rock Creek Park Tennis Center July 25-Aug. 2. Naomi Osaka, Venus Williams, Ben Shelton, Frances Tiafoe, and others are expected to play.
Festivals
- Afro Plus Fest: This huge, three-day Afro-Caribbean Hip-Hop Festival brings together headliners Davido, Alkaline, and Wizkid, plus Tems and Ayra Starr. The event moves from RFK to the Northwest Stadium Complex for three days, Sept. 4-6.
- Capital Fringe Festival: Running from July 11-21, this massive celebration features dozens of live theater, comedy, dance, and boundary-pushing nighttime performances across multiple DC neighborhoods.
- The National Book Festival returns, with headliners like Cynthia Erivo, and Martin Scorsese. The one-day festival, Saturday, Aug. 22, brings together bookworms and word nerds under the theme “America 250: It’s Your Story.” There are talks, workshops, musical sessions and more.
- All Things Go: A three-day festival Sept. 25-27 at Merriweather Post Pavilion featuring Mitski, Hayley Williams, Brandi Carlile, MUNA, Zara Larsson, Ethel Cain, and many, many more artists. There are single-day and three-day tickets. Featuring and highlighting female artists, the festival has turned into a must-see for many LGBTQ audience members.
- Fuchsia Fest: The inaugural Fuchsia Fest is a new multi-day celebration created to celebrate LGBTQ community and expression, bringing together a mix of community gatherings, entertainment, and nightlife. The event takes place Sept. 18-20 and is hosted by Capital Pride.
Art and Music
- United We Dance: A high-energy rave with house, techno, bass, and festival music, on Aug. 1 at the 9:30 Club.
- The Fray. On Aug. 14, this American rock band famous for How To Save A Life is at Merriweather Post Pavilion.
- Kesha: Kesha’s high-energy The Freedom Tour comes to the D.C. area on Aug. 14 at Jiffy Lube Live.
- ALOK: On Sept. 3 at Lincoln Theater, ALOK (they/them) performs. The poet, comedian, and actor is putting on a new comedy show.
- 2charm, the emerging Australian electronic club-pop duo popular with the queer community, which blends hyperpop and dance music, comes to the Atlantis.
- Sapphic Dance Party: a vibrant, inclusive nightlife and social event designed specifically for queer women, lesbians, bisexuals, trans individuals, and nonbinary folks, at Atlantis on Aug. 21.
- Jazz in the Garden: The most quintessential of D.C. activities returns Friday evenings through Aug. 14. This season’s theme, “American Sounds,” is a nod to the nation’s 250th anniversary. Tunes themes range from Appalachian and Americana to Creole jazz, Hill Country blues, contemporary jazz, and more. Tickets are available through a lottery system a week before each event.
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Tickets on sale for chef Patrick O’Connell’s book launch event
Sept. 18 kickoff to feature José Andrés, Tom Sietsema
Acclaimed chef Patrick O’Connell is preparing to publish his new memoir, “Main, Middle & Gay” in September and he’s launching the book with an event on Sept. 18 at 6 p.m. at Lisner Auditorium featuring Chef José Andrés and former Washington Post food critic Tom Sietsema.
Tickets for the event go on sale Tuesday, July 21 at Ticketmaster; prices start at $55.
O’Connell, who’s gay, is the pioneering Michelin-starred chef and longtime proprietor of the Inn at Little Washington. He spoke with the Blade about the September event and the launch of his first memoir.
“I’ve known [Andrés and Sietsema] for more than 25 years and I have great respect for them,” O’Connell said. “I felt that it would allow us to add a different dimension rather than just have an interviewer. The chemistry will be fun and lively and unpredictable and exciting. I think we’re all different personalities and we’ll compliment each other.”
O’Connell has published cookbooks but this is his first memoir. The event will feature a short film that will highlight his work and the Inn.
“What I hope to do with the event is bring the book to life visually,” he said. “So we’re producing a short film that will be part of it. Most of the audience will not have read the book so it’ll give them a visual flavor of the book. It parallels the evolution of American cuisine over 50 years. It’s a rare perspective to be in the trenches for that long.”
The book’s title refers to the location of the garage on the corner of Main, Middle, and Gay streets in Washington, Va., where he launched his restaurant that became an international culinary destination.
The Blade will publish the rest of its wide-ranging interview with O’Connell in September in conjunction with the book’s release.
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