Gay Politician Spotlight: Trajan
Marcus Ulpius Nerva Traianus, commonly known in the West as Trajan, was the second in line of the “Five Good Emperors” of Rome. He ruled from 98AD to 117AD, and was beloved of the Roman people, such that they built him a colossal column in Rome that stands today!
We know that Trajan engaged in relationships with other men from numerous accounts, but most famously the words of famed Roman Historian Cassius Dio who said:
“I know, of course, that he was devoted to boys and to wine, but if he had ever committed or endured any base or wicked deed as the result of this, he would have incurred censure; as it was, however, he drank all the wine he wanted, yet remained sober, and in his relation with boys he harmed no one.”
Trajan came to the defense of the recent rise of Christianity effectively banning their execution unless they were openly defying Roman law by practicing their religion publicly. This was a MAJOR change in Roman Politics.
Trajan also continued with and enacted Alimenta, a welfare program for underprivileged youths, which effectively created a middle class. The project was funded by funds from the hugely successful Dacian war, philanthropy, and a 5% interest tax on wealthy landowners.
Trajan had no biological children, and so adopted his first cousin once removed. Trajan never officially designated this adopted child as his successor, but he took the throne nonetheless at the recommendation of the then First Lady of Rome, Pompeia Plotina. Trajan’s successor will be covered in tomorrow’s edition of “Famous Gay Politicians.”
