“Boston marriages” were intense friendships between women in the late 19th century, offering equality, support, and independence to affluent women. Some lived together to pursue careers or education, gaining respectability without a husband. While some couples kissed and referred to each other as “husband” or “wife,” the bonds were often about friendship and independence rather than romance or sexual intimacy. The term was popularized in Henry James’ novel The Bostonians and has been used as a cover for lesbian relationships. Writer Willa Cather and editor Edith Lewis lived together for nearly 40 years, buried next to each other in a New Hampshire cemetery.
Homosexuality was taboo during the late 19th century, but intense friendships between women were common. Known as “Boston marriages,” these relationships offered a degree of equality, support, and independence to affluent women who were eager for a life beyond the home. Some upper-class women have chosen to live together to pursue careers, higher education, or other individual pursuits. In this way they could gain respectability and acceptance in society, without the usual requirement of having a husband. Women in “Boston weddings” often kissed, embraced and held hands, and sometimes referred to each other as “husband” or “wife.” But while there was genuine affection and devotion, the bonds were often more about friendship and independence than romance or sexual intimacy.
Friends and/or lovers:
In 1885, novelist Henry James explored the phenomenon in the novel The Bostonians. The novel popularized the term “Boston wedding,” although James never specifically used it in the book.
For some, Boston weddings have been used as a cover for lesbian relationships. Couples could be together without arousing suspicion that it was more than platonic female affection.
Writer Willa Cather and editor Edith Lewis lived together for nearly 40 years, starting in 1908, though whether they were lesbians is still debated. They were buried next to each other in a New Hampshire cemetery.
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