Former President Barack Obama imagined having sex with men according to a letter his 21-year-old hedonistic mind penned to his ex-girlfriend, Alex McNear, in November 1982.
The letters of the former president written between 1982-1984 first surfaced in 2017. Its renewed attention to one written in 1982 followed a long and intrusive interview given by his biographer, David Garrow. Mr Obama’s disclosure in the letter, now over four decades old, sends an intriguing piece of history back into public consciousness availing a peep into how uncharted wandering of young minds could soon grasp focus and mature for leadership over time.
The letter also reveals Mr Obama’s early intellectual dive into the humanity and sexuality of the queer community, asserting that same-sex intimate relationships could not be thought of as depravity but rather as a natural exploration of one’s sexuality.
“In regard to homosexually, I must say that I believe this is an attempt to remove oneself from the present, a refusal perhaps to perpetuate the endless farce of earthly life. You see, I make love to men daily, but in the imagination,” the letter read.
In the letter, Mr Obama candidly reflected on his personal exploration of intimacy, noting that he contemplated both male and female perspectives. Notably, he acknowledged the intriguing idea of embracing a non-binary identity, underscoring the complexity of his introspections. He ultimately chose to continue identifying as male, recognising the potential impact his physical masculinity could have in shaping his future endeavors.
This reflective sentiment carries a profound weight, suggesting that the trajectory of America’s first black president could have transcended conventional gender norms, potentially positioning him as a trailblazer for non-binary representation at the highest level of leadership.
“My mind is androgynous to a great extent and I hope to make it more so until I can think in terms of people, not women as opposed to men. But, in returning to the body, I see that I have been made a man, and physically life, I choose to accept that contingency,” he wrote.
These paragraphs in the letter have been redacted by Ms McNear who was with the former president during his time at Occidental College in Los Angeles but Mr Garrow, a Pulitzer-Prize-winning historian was able to access them and used it in his book, “Rising Star.”
Mr Obama’s aides did not respond to the New York Post’s request for comments but his historian said “majority of human beings have sexual fantasies!”
“I’m a historian, not a psychologist, but I think it’s ‘public record’ news that a (vast?) majority of human beings have sexual fantasies!” he wrote in a mail.
The recently resurfaced letter adds another layer of understanding to Mr Obama’s resolute dedication to advocating for LGBTQ+ rights, both within the United States and on a global scale as well as a valuable glimpse into the broader narrative of his presidency per domestic American politics, characterised by a commitment to justice, inclusivity, and the unyielding support of LGBTQ+ rights.
As he assumed office as President in 2008, his commitment was evident through his swift actions in collaboration with Congress. He effected the passage and signing of legislation that not only symbolically but tangibly combated discrimination against queer individuals.
One of the pivotal moves during his tenure was the establishment of a federal task force, assigned with the crucial responsibility of monitoring and curbing instances of harassment, bullying, and hate crimes targeted at the LGBTQ+ community. Additionally, he actively engaged with the younger generation by organising student and youth summits, creating a platform to openly address their needs and concerns, and demonstrating his wholehearted support for their rights.
Mr Obama also took several significant steps to promote equality and inclusivity for the LGBTQ+ community. In 2009, he allowed same-sex domestic partners of Foreign Service members to receive benefits while serving abroad.
The Affordable Care Act, signed in 2010, prevented insurance discrimination based on pre-existing conditions and sexual orientation.
The act also improved access to healthcare for those with HIV/AIDS. Mr Obama developed the first comprehensive National HIV/AIDS Strategy, focusing on addressing disparities faced by gay and bisexual men and transgender women of colour. He supported efforts to ban “conversion therapy” for minors and established a resource center for older LGBT individuals. Hospitals receiving Medicare or Medicaid funds were required to respect visitation and medical decision-making rights for LGBT patients.