Gay Twitter Is Memeing President Eisenhower After A Photo Of Him Posing Went Viral — Here's Why It's Messier Than It Seems
If you're on the younger side or perhaps someone who did not grow up in the US, then you might not be familiar with Dwight D. Eisenhower. Eisenhower was a five-star army general and commander of the Supreme Headquarters Allied Expeditionary Force during World War II — he also planned the Battle of Normandy.
Eisenhower also served as president from 1953–61.
It was during his time as president in 1953 that he issued Executive Order 10450. While the order didn't specifically mention LGBTQ people in its language, it used the term "sexual perversion" as a reason to prevent or fire gay and lesbian people from government jobs (deeming them to be security risks). According to the Mattachine Society of Washington, DC, in just the 1950s alone, somewhere between 7,000 to 10,000 lost their jobs because they were suspected of being homosexuals.
Early LGBTQ activists fought back against it, and eventually the courts (starting in 1973) and the Clinton Administration would bring an end to Order 10450.
Frank Kameny was an astronomer working for the U.S. Army Map Service when he was fired.He appealed his firing through the judicial system, taking his case as high as the Supreme Court.Kameny also helped lead picket lines outside the White House. One of his protest signs:
So, now that you have all that backstory, you're probably asking yourself, "OK, but what does that have to do with a viral photo of him?"
Glad you asked. A few days ago, the Twitter account "Presidents and vice presidents doing normal shit" tweeted this photo of Eisenhower, looking — well, to use an old-fashioned term — a little light in the loafers. The photo took off on Gay Twitter, which, of course, seems ironic given Eisenhower's views on homosexuality.
Dwight D. Eisenhower poses in front of an American flag. 19th June, 1945.
So, I rounded up some "gay Eisenhower" tweets that'll have you laughing:
Also, follow these tweeters to bless your TL with some excellent tweets!
1.
The “D.” in “Dwight D. Eisenhower” stands for Diva https://t.co/fd6fCyEOYB
2.
@NormaIPresident was he, you know
3.
“NOT ME GETTING READY TO BOMB HIROSHIMA I- 💀” Dwight D. Eisenhower https://t.co/miOdlB5rXA
4.
Dwight Eisenhower at his friend's birthday party June 4th, 1945.
5.
Dwight D. Eisenhower untucks in the Interior Illusions Lounge. 19th June, 1945.
6.
RuPaul: And last but not least, why he gotta be Dwight!? President Dwight D. Eisenhower is here! President Eisenhower: Hi Ru! https://t.co/1kRKhbLuRg
7.
Sis not me overthrowing a Central American government… https://t.co/QGdOspwuvI
8.
@NormaIPresident
9.
Message from Dwight D. Eisenhower for Pride Month:I want YOU to SERVE, bitches!
10.
@NormaIPresident Oh he is SERVING in these Brunello Cucinelli Oxblood single monk strap loafers with sheer socks
11.
He's the Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy of Company B https://t.co/Kv7EvMHdST
12.
@NormaIPresident Oh bitch, he KNEW he was slaying like a kween boss, yaaasss huntyyyy
13.
Miss Ike if you nasty https://t.co/kFLnNVFwCh
14.
sitting zesty asl https://t.co/xwGa9ZFsj9
15.
@NormaIPresident
16.
@fruitdotzip Eisenhower be like.
17.
Secret Service escorting him out after the photo shoot https://t.co/Ku6jsII69c
18.
“Girl it’s giving General!” https://t.co/5m0bqVojNJ
19.
https://t.co/azY02tkfla
20.
What he wore to war https://t.co/BkRsewvI9E
21.
imperial gworl https://t.co/YauzUz4wpT
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