John Boswell (1947–1994) was a groundbreaking American historian at Yale University, best known for his pioneering work on the history of homosexuality and social attitudes toward marginalized groups in medieval Europe. His scholarship challenged long-held assumptions and significantly reshaped the academic understanding of historical sexuality. Boswell’s most influential work, Christianity, Social Tolerance, and Homosexuality, argued that the early Christian church was not inherently condemnatory of homosexual relationships and that periods of greater tolerance existed before a shift in the late medieval period.
He analyzed primary sources, including legal codes, theological texts, and literary works, to support his thesis. Another significant contribution was Same-Sex Unions in Premodern Europe, published posthumously, which explored historical rituals for same-sex couples that resembled marriage ceremonies. Boswell’s work ultimately opened new avenues for historical inquiry into sexuality, gender, and social acceptance, leaving an indelible mark on medieval studies and LGBTQ+ history. His research solidified his legacy as a queer scholar. Professor Boswell died from AIDS related complications in 1994.
