Sappho of Lesbos

In today's installment of gay history, we bring you the story of Sappho, the ancient Greek poet of love. Born somewhere around 630BCE, Sappho is known as the first female poet of importance. She was wildly popular during her time, but sadly her ten books of poetry have since been lost. All that remains are fragments and references to her poetry by others.

Sappho ran a school for young women, and there is speculation that she had romantic feelings feelings for many of them, as evidenced by her poetry. She was not, however, strictly attracted to women; much of her writing was about men.

She lived in Mytilene on the island of Lesbos, which is where the modern world lesbian was derived. It did not take on it's meaning of homosexuality pertaining to women until the 19th century. The word Sapphic was derived from her name as well.

"Immortal Aphrodite of the shimmering thone, daughter of Zeus, weaver of wiles, I pray thee crush not my spirit with anguish and distress, O Queen. But come hither if ever before thou didst hear my voice afar, and hearken, and leaving the golden house of thy father, camest with chariot yoked, and swift birds drew thee, their swift pinions fluttering over the dark earth, from heaven through mid-space. Quickly they arrived; and thou blessed one with immortal countenance smiling didst ask: What now is befallen me and why now I call and what I in my heart's madness, most desire. What fair one now wouldst thou draw to love thee? Who wrongs thee Sappho? For even if she flies she shall soon follow and if she rejects gifts, shall soon offer them and if she loves not shall soon love, however reluctant. Come I pray thee now and release me from cruel cares, and let my heart accomplish all that it desires, and be thou my ally."