When you studied the revolutionary war in school, you probably learned about Paul Revere’s midnight ride, Thomas Paine’s pamphlet “Common Sense,” and the Declaration of Independence. You might have even learned about Baron von Steuben, the Prussian Lieutenant General who whipped the American Troops into shape during the darkest hours of the Revolutionary War. But chances are, your history teachers left out the part where that same Baron von Steuben was probably gay. 

Today on Pride, we’re moving into part 2 of our series on The Queer History of the United States, which originally aired in 2020. Our guide is Dr. Eric Cervini, best-selling author and LGBTQ+ historian.  As we learn about the era of the revolutionary war, we’ll learn about two war heroes who were honored despite their transgressions. And one Lieutenant who was chased out of town.