21. The Real Housewife of Rome

What better way to celebrate the New Year than with a new episode of History is Gay? This time, Gretchen and Leigh dive into the brief, controversial, and totally extra reign of Emperor Elagabalus of Rome. Or rather, Empress Elagabalus! Whether it be marrying multiple wives and one husband, revolutionizing the Roman religion, installing women as senators, throwing parties with sex workers, or enjoying the attention of well-endowed men, Elagabalus was as unconventional as they come. And chances are, she may very well have been a trans woman. Outline 0:00 – Introduction 4:23 – Main Topic: Elagabalus 8:40 – Socio-Historical and Religious Context 13:31 – Fun Segment: Word of the Week 22:47 – Elagabal and Roman Religion 29:39 – Who were they? Bio Time 54:48 – Why do we think they're gay? 1:08:30 – Analysis from Queer Historians 1:09:49 – Fun Segment: Pop Culture Tie-In 1:12:45 – How Gay were They? 1:17:10 – Closing and Where to Find us Online Want to help us continue to make the show? Support us on Patreon and get awesome goodies, behind-the-scenes access, special minisodes, and more! Also, patrons will get download links to our fantastic new jingles composed by the amazing Lilly Brown! Buy merch in our store! Shirts, hoodies, totes, and geographic queer gear, designed by the incomparable V Silverman. Find our full list of sources and bonus content at www.historyisgaypodcast.com. Get at us on twitter @historyisgaypod, tumblr at historyisgaypodcast, and subscribe wherever you get your podcasts! Don't forget to rate and review so more folks can see the show!