65: Queer Love Letters Thru History

Hey Bessie, send us a text message!How far have we come when it comes to being allowed to love whom we love, and to tell them we love them? Here are 3 moving love letters written by real-life queer personalities from the very distant past. (1872)  The first is a letter written by a 24-year old Bram Stoker (Dracula) to his literary idol Walt Whitman (Leaves of Grass). The letter remained unsent for four years. Finally, on Valentine’s Day of 1876, Stoker mustered enough courage to send said letter to the older Whitman. (12th Century)  The second is a hauntingly beautiful love letter written by one medieval 12th Century nun to another. This was initially published in the second edition of “Medieval Latin and the Rise of the European Love-Lyric,” compiled by Peter Dronke, 1968.  (1896) The last selection contains excerpts from the letter "De Profundis" which Oscar Wilde wrote to his young lover, Bosie (Lord Alfred Douglas) from prison. This fell into the hands of a pimp and was used by Bosie’s father to blackmail Wilde. It eventually contributed to Wilde’s conviction on charges of "gross indecency" and two years' imprisonment. Readers: CityBuoy, host, The Stories I Wish You Heard Podcast Timmy General GeoffSpecial introduction by Ms. Freya BoothCITATIONS:https://www.themarginalian.org/2019/01/09/bram-stoker-walt-whitman-letter/https://www.lgbtqnation.com/2018/12/love-letters-12th-century-nuns-hauntingly-beautiful/Excerpts from Wilde, O., & Ross, R. B. (1905). De Profundis. London: Methuen and Co. I Am A Girl Who Wants Equality by Marsha Ramroop’s daughterMusic and Sound Effects:Epidemic Sound, Red & Baldy Original Soundtracks, Ambient Feelings - Music Info: Sad Emotional Piano - One Hour Version Music Link Support the showThe Balut Kiki Project is an international award-winning podcast being the only Philippine winner so far at the Asia Podcast Festival Awards held in Singapore.Follow/subscribe and, review and rate us on Spotify, ApplePodcasts, Podchaser.  Connect with us on Facebook or Instagram . Advertise with us - Email: [email protected].  *Our podcast does not offer professional medical, sexual, or mental health advice. Our show aims to entertain and express truths about our personal experiences in dealing with issues we discuss. If  you are undergoing depression or having suicidal thoughts, please go to these links: NCMH (PH) or Find a Helpline (worldwide). It's okay to ask for help.