Exploring Lincoln’s Queer Legacy: Upcoming Release of “Lavender Men”
A captivating narrative feature that delves into Abraham Lincoln’s personal life and his queer legacy, titled Lavender Men, is set for theatrical release.
Release Details
Scheduled to premiere on May 2, Lavender Men will be available in select theaters across Washington, D.C., Los Angeles, and New York City, presented by Pride Flix. The film is directed by Lovell Holder, who co-wrote the screenplay alongside Roger Q. Mason, the star of the film adapted from Mason’s stage play of the same title. The cast also features notable performances from Pete Ploszek and Alex Esola.
Film Synopsis
The plot centers around Taffeta (played by Mason), a theatrical stage manager who grapples with demoralization while working on a play about Lincoln. This leads Taffeta into an intricate daydream exploring the rumored romantic relationship of the 16th president, a subject that has fueled speculation for years.
To get a glimpse of the film, you can watch the exclusive trailer which is featured below:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fN1A5CIuKCI
A Creative Collaboration
The original play premiered in 2022 at the Skylight Theater Company in Los Angeles, with Holder also directing the stage version. The film boasts a production team that includes Holder, Mason, Mia Chang, and Mia Ellis.
Courtesy of Pride Flix
Director and Cast Insights
Reflecting on the journey, Holder noted, “I became acquainted with Lavender Men when our genius writer/performer Roger Q. Mason shared an early draft of their original play in 2019. I never imagined we would officially release the feature film adaptation in 2025.”
Holder describes the project as “a genuine labor of love,” emphasizing that it was a collaborative effort shot within ten days on a modest budget, driven by a shared passion for the story.
Mason adds their hopes for the film, stating, “I hope this film serves as a rally cry, a fountain of joy, and a grounding of purpose for the LGBTQIA+ movement in the U.S. and abroad at a time when we need stories that affirm, empower, and embolden us more than ever.”
Courtesy of Pride Flix
Context and Cultural Impact
Holder previously directed the film Loserville and has produced other recent features such as The Surrender and Peak Season. The release of Lavender Men comes on the heels of the documentary Lover of Men: The Untold History of Abraham Lincoln, which explored Lincoln’s sexuality and faced backlash from figures like Elon Musk and conservative commentators. Interestingly, Lincoln was married to Mary Todd Lincoln for over two decades until his assassination in 1865.
Furthermore, the critically acclaimed comedy play Oh, Mary! is currently being staged on Broadway, which humorously depicts Lincoln using Mary Todd as a disguise while she aspires to become a cabaret performer.
Learn more about Lavender Men and its significance in contemporary discussions surrounding LGBTQIA+ representation and history.