As we commemorate the 100th anniversary of the sinking of the Titanic, a historian has uncovered some evidence that gay passengers were among those aboard the ill-fated ship.
Historian James Gifford, in an essay published on OutHistory.org, cites letters written by Archibald Willingham Butt, who died during the Titanic’s voyage. Butt, who served as a military aide to Presidents Theodore Roosevelt and William Howard Taft, was traveling with Frank D. Millet. Millet also died when the ship sunk.
Gifford speculates about Butt’s unmarried status and fashionable dress.
An excerpt:
“Of course there is no conclusive evidence that Archibald Butt was gay, and I find it highly unlikely, given Archie's careful self-image control, that he ever committed to paper any overt thoughts of such a nature. He was too canny an individual for that, too conscious of the risk in military and political ranks, where such an idea would have put a quick end to any hopes of advancement.
So I can only suggest that my research results in an “impression” that he was homosexual… Of course men can like antiques, be mother-obsessed, remain an inveterate bachelor, notice the colors of ladies’ dresses, live constantly in a home full of men, without being gay. We all know that, yes.”
Gifford does state outright his believe that Millet was gay, calling him “the only gay man to die on the Titanic.”
