JFK and his intimate relationship with his gay friend
What's the story
John F Kennedy, the 35th US President, is often remembered for his controversial affairs.
One such relationship was with his gay friend, Kirk LeMoyne "Lem" Billings.
Their bond, which lasted over three decades, was characterized by deep emotional connection and shared experiences that transcended the conventional norms of their time.
They were so close that Kennedy's brother, Ted Kennedy, admitted that he didn't realize Billings wasn't just another one of his elder brothers until the age of three.
Early bond
A friendship that defied societal norms
Kennedy and Billings first met in 1933, when they were both sophomores at Choate Rosemary Hall, a private Connecticut prep school.
They became friends while working together on their class yearbook.
Per reports, Billings was instantly attracted to Kennedy's charisma and charm. He made his liking for Kennedy known by writing a love note on toilet paper, to which a surprised Kennedy replied, "Please don't write to me on toilet paper anymore."
"I'm not that kind of boy."
Changing dynamics
Their relationship evolved over time
But the two grew closer over the years, their relationship transcending the taboos around homosexuality.
Lawrence J. Quirk's book The Kennedys in Hollywood claims their relationship was sexual in nature, though they maintained discretion given the societal norms of their time.
"Jack was in love with Lem being in love with him and considered him the ideal follower adorer," Quirk wrote.
Unwavering support
Billings was a constant presence in Kennedy's life
Joe Kennedy, the Kennedy patriarch, was skeptical of Billings's sexual preferences from the beginning of his son's close relationship with him.
He noticed that Billings followed Jack around. On school breaks, Jack frequently brought Billings home with him, causing Joe to grumble to his wife, Rose, "Do we have to have that queer around all summer?"
Billings even had a room in the White House, much to Jacqueline's chagrin.
Historian
With JFK's death, Billings lost a soulmate
Historian Steve M. Gillon, author of The Kennedy Assassination — 24 Hours After and host of the History Channel podcast of the same name, discussed their relationship with People.
"The very fact that these men were friends reveals a hidden dimension of JFK's character," Gillon told the magazine.
"At a time when homosexuality was considered taboo, Kennedy welcomed and adored Billings, who he knew was gay. With JFK's death, Billings lost a friend and soulmate."
He never recovered, Gillon said.
Twitter Post
Photos of JFK with Billings
here’s your 2024 reminder that jfk was gay and had a boyfriend pic.twitter.com/LBv9YAwlwe
— captain brian (@quebecween) January 11, 2024
Billings
Billings never married
Billings never married and eventually became a marketing executive who worked on the JFK Center for the Performing Arts.
"Jack made a big difference in my life," Billings said in his oral history for the Kennedy library.
"He may have been the reason I never got married," he had said.
At Billings's funeral, several younger Kennedys served as pallbearers, as Billings had done for some of their own, including Senator Robert F. Kennedy.