Epicureanism was not the only option. For example, Epictetus disparaged catamites, expecting his audience to be familiar with them, indicating that there were people following that lifestyle. There was also the cult of Cybele.
That’s true. There are numerous references to gender nonconformity in antiquity. I’m glad you mention the Cybelines because I really don’t know much about the cult but it’s clear there’s a connection. The idea of queerness is conceived of differently but it’s a visible undercurrent in human societies.
Hi Hiram! It looks like this was a confabulation made by AI. In fact, while Cicero mentions both Metrodorus and Polyaenus in his writings, he doesn't specifically mention their married status, so I'm going to make sure that this is cleared up. Thanks for checking!
Epicureanism was not the only option. For example, Epictetus disparaged catamites, expecting his audience to be familiar with them, indicating that there were people following that lifestyle. There was also the cult of Cybele.
That’s true. There are numerous references to gender nonconformity in antiquity. I’m glad you mention the Cybelines because I really don’t know much about the cult but it’s clear there’s a connection. The idea of queerness is conceived of differently but it’s a visible undercurrent in human societies.
Thanks for writing this. I enjoyed and can see how the Garden offered something beyond prescribed social and gender roles.
Glad you liked it, Simon!
Hi! Do you have the source on Cicero re: Metrodorus and Polyaenus?
Hi Hiram! It looks like this was a confabulation made by AI. In fact, while Cicero mentions both Metrodorus and Polyaenus in his writings, he doesn't specifically mention their married status, so I'm going to make sure that this is cleared up. Thanks for checking!