Welcome back to our special Pride Month celebration! In Part Two of this episode, we're finally diving into the spark that ignited the enduring love between Elenore and Hick. You've heard about their tumultuous pasts and how fate brought these two iconic queer women to New York City. Now, prepare to witness their serendipitous meeting amidst the vibrant, burgeoning LGBTQ+ scene of their era. We'll reveal how their initial connection blossomed into a deep and passionate bond, culminating in a revealing look at the sensual and heartfelt love letters they exchanged. These letters offer an intimate glimpse into their lesbian romance, showcasing not only their profound affection but also the courage and defiance with which they lived and loved in a less accepting world. Get ready for a truly spicy and inspiring exploration of one of history's most compelling queer relationships!

References:

1. National Park Service. (n.d.). First friend: The love affair of Lorena Hickok and Eleanor Roosevelt. U.S. Department of the Interior. https://www.nps.gov/rori/learn/news/first-friend-the-love-affair-of-lorena-hickok-and-eleanor-roosevelt.htm

2. Romano, A. (2022, October 3). Was Eleanor Roosevelt a lesbian? Slate. https://slate.com/culture/2022/10/eleanor-roosevelt-lesbian-bros-movie-lorena-hickok.html

3. Wikipedia contributors. (2025, June 16). Eleanor Roosevelt. Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eleanor_Roosevelt

4. Wikipedia contributors. (2025, June 16). Lorena Hickok. Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lorena_Hickok

5. U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. (n.d.). CPI inflation calculator. https://www.bls.gov/data/inflation_calculator.htm

6. WAF Editorial Staff. (2018, June 1). The love affair between Eleanor Roosevelt and journalist Lorena “Hick” Hickok. Women’s Advancement Forum. https://wafmag.org/2018/06/the-love-affair-between-eleanor-roosevelt-and-journalist-lorena-hick-hickok/

7. Popova, M. (2012, October 11). Eleanor Roosevelt’s love letters to Lorena Hickok. The Marginalian. https://www.themarginalian.org/2012/10/11/eleanor-roosevelt-lorena-hickok-love-letters/

8. Riese. (2016, June 30). 24 very gay excerpts from Eleanor Roosevelt’s love letters with Lorena Hickok. Autostraddle. https://www.autostraddle.com/24-very-gay-excerpts-from-eleanor-roosevelts-love-letters-with-lorena-hickok-346115/

9. National Park Service. (n.d.). Lorena Hickok. U.S. Department of the Interior. https://www.nps.gov/people/lorena-hickok.htm

10. Waxman, O. B. (2016, March 31). The woman who changed Eleanor Roosevelt’s life. TIME. https://time.com/4276317/lorena-hickok/

11. NYC LGBT Historic Sites Project. (n.d.). Lorena Hickok residence. https://www.nyclgbtsites.org/site/lorena-hickok-residence/

12. Peoples World. (2020, October 9). Bringing Eleanor Roosevelt’s lover, Lorena Hickok, out of the shadows. https://peoplesworld.org/article/bringing-eleanor-roosevelt-s-lover-lorena-hickok-out-of-the-shadows/