Queer Theologian and historian Kittridge Cherry shares information about Queer heroes and saints and martyrs that most people haven’t heard of or who have heard but didn’t know about their Queerness. An example of little known queer sacred history is the love between St. Boris and his servant George. Simon Karlinsky has highlighted their love story in his analysis of the medieval classic, “The Legend of Boris and Gleb” compiled in the 11th century. Karlinsky writes:
“Boris had a gold necklace made for George because it was said Boris loved him beyond measure. When four assailants stabbed Boris, George flung himself on the body of his prince, exclaiming: I will not be left behind, my precious lord! Ere the beauty of thy body begins to wilt, let it be granted that my life may end.
The assailants tore Boris out of George’s embrace, stabbed George, and flung him out of the tent, bleeding and dying. Before Boris died, he forgave his assassins. Prince Boris was killed by a brother trying to usurp power, but it is believed George was murdered for his open admission of the nature of their love.”
Queer God Squad let’s bite into this juicy story.
