Queers in History: January 24th in Queer History

Born this day

Hadrian (76 – 138) Roman Emperor

Hadrian was an accomplished military ruler, but owes his fame more to his success as a wise and civilized leader and administrator, who helped to stabilize the Roman Empire - and for his renowned devotion to his lover, Antinous. After his young lover drowned in the Nile in 130, the Emperor was publicly overcome with grief, and declared the young man to be a god, and founded an Egytpian city, Antinoopolis, in his honour.

Henri Nouwen (1932 – 1996) Dutch/Canadian

Dutch-born Catholic priest and writer who authored 40 books about spirituality. The results of a Christian Century magazine survey conducted in 2003 indicate that Nouwen's work was a first choice of authors for Catholic and mainline Protestant clergy. One of his most famous works is Inner Voice of Love, his diary from December 1987 to June 1988 during one of his most serious bouts with clinical depression.

Nouwen is thought to have struggled with his sexuality. "Although his homosexuality was known by those close to him, he never publicly claimed a homosexual identity."

David Gerrold  (1944 –  ) US
Author

Klaus Nomi  (1944 –  1983) German
Singer/ Actor

Benny Medina  (1958 –  ) US
Talent Agent

Died this day

George Cukor  (1899 - 1983 ) US
Director

Yves Navarre  (1940 - 1994) French
Author

Donald Vining  (1917 - 1998) US
Author / Playwright / Publisher

Betty Berzon (1928 – 2006) US
Author / Psychotherapist

Bryan Kocis (1962 - 2007) US
Porn Company Founder

Jahna Steele (1958 - 2008) US
Entertainer