Researching Ancestors Non-Traditional Unions

June 21, 2024

Her Pride Celebrated

"lesbian means...?

Pride Month led me to ask "What does "lesbian mean?" Which led me to wonder how long has the word lesbian been used to describe relationships. Well, the word "lesbian" has its roots in ancient Greek culture and literature, specifically linked to the life and works of Sappho and the island of Lesbos from c. 630-570 BCE. Evolved from the association with Sappho and her works, the term "lesbian" began to be used in the late 19th century to refer to female homosexuality. Read more about it in our June 2024 Newsletter: Let's Follow the Women.

History and historical documents and writings tell us alternative lifestyles have always existed. And, as genealogists, it's hard to be blind to the records that reveal our ancestors' secrets.

6 Tips to Start Your Research

Click here for full article in June 2024 Newsletter

Read: Was Grandma a Feminist? shhh... Her Secret Life? Many women were feminists. But, it is here that we often uncover names and associates. But more research is required to understand your female ancestors. There have always been advocates, and those who wanted freedom to speak, financial anonymity, sexual choices, and to buck against the cultural construct.
Divorce Records: I was able to uncover spousal accusations, with names in divorce records.
Asylum records: Yes, "unnatural" relationships could have caused an ancestor to be institutionalized
University Special Collections. I've had great success here but stay tuned. Will be posting a full blog and will add the link here once completed.
Newspapers and Journals: The Feminist movement was well covered across America. It is here where many uncover their ancestors names. However, one must not assume an ancestor was a lesbian due to their involvment. Some were fighting for rights and many had support of her husbands. But, further research may provide more information on the organization, there parites (sometimes rumored), or their boldness.
"Boston Marriage" keyword. This keyword is a big hint that your ancestor had a non-traditional marriage. The relationship may have been platonic, or a "sympathetic union." Or, it may have been their preferred life-time mate in which many would say they were lesbians.