We’ve cast great strides in equal rights for our gay and lesbian communities since we first came into statehood in 1812. Yet despite humanity’s shared stories of homosexuality in antiquity, it has taken our modern selves over here in Missouri, a century to catch up. Drawn while on the Great Plains, among the Sac and Fox Indians, the sketch depicts a ceremonial dance to celebrate the two-spirit person.” They are called joyas, and are held in great esteem.”Īccording to, “George Catlin (1796-1872), Dance of the Berdache. “I have submitted substantial evidence that those Indian men who, both here and farther inland, are observed in the dress, clothing and character of women,” writes Spanish soldier Pedro Fages in his 1769 expedition journals, “–there being two or three such in each village–pass as sodomites by profession. Even Alexander the Great, a mighty and militant King, held an intimate relationship with one of his officers (in addition to hundreds of concubines.) Native tribes celebrated the “two-spirit” people (gender-variants), of whom it was believed that two spirits occupied in one body. Ancient Greek men often courted younger male partners in addition to wives. It weaves throughout our past, tethering us all to various cultures and socioeconomic spheres, and is as prevalent and common as warfare or breadmaking. Homosexuality is simply a part of our collective history. #loveislove #lovewins #SCOTUSRULES #marriageequality #squeezeboxlovesyou