I went to high school in North Dakota for two years. Yes I know, you probably forgot it was a state. While living there I found myself deprived of LGBTQ+ history. There are hundreds of figures that were either openly or suspected as a part of the community but many have been completely erased from the textbooks. Some states have taken initiative to add in these important figures many have not. So many people do not understand the huge impact the LGBTQ+ community has had on every country in this world. In America specifically, we have ignored these strides our community has made for the country, especially for our freedoms.
Baron Friedrich von Steuben was a widely praised general known for intense discipline of his troops. During the American Revolutionary War, Steuben was appointed by George Washington. He was a Prussian military man who had joined the military when he was 17. His reason for coming to the United States was because he was removed from the Prussian military for homosexuality or so historians think. Benjamin Franklin recommended Steuben to George Washington. During the time of Stueben appointment the U.S. military desperately needed someone who could lead and provide techniques that could give them an upper hand. Steuben was known for his bravery and overall grit as a general, as Washington said, “He appears to be much of a gentleman, and as far as I have had an opportunity of judging, a man of military knowledge, and acquainted with the world.” For the time Steuben sexuality did not define his accomplishments as a general but they are the reason he, and many others, are not known.
Steuben’s legacy lingers today with even some of his army drills being practiced today. During this time warfare could be extremely complicated. However, Steueben brought east European war techniques that had not been utilized by any of the countries fighting in the war. He had trained the men harshly but effectively providing easy techniques in battle which proved very successful. One of his major accomplishments was helping America in it’s turning point that eventually led to the winning of the war. At the battle of Valley Forge the U.S. military used a plan made by Steuben. With his training of men and his plan, known as the “Blue Book”, he helped make Valley Forge successful. Valley Forge is known as the turning point for America in the winning of the war. Without people like Steuben the many freedoms that we have could cease to exist. While Steuben was openly gay at the time, his sexuailty has hindered him as a prominent figure in American history.
Someone once asked me, “If gay people have done so much for our country, why are they not taught?” Obviously this was meant to diminish my thoughts about the history but it had an opposite effect. I dug deep. I have found a plethora of information of LGBTQ+ members being erased from history. Before three years ago, I had never heard of Baron Friedrich Von Steuben. I did not know the massive role he played in accessing the freedoms I have today. Freedoms that many people like him are denied regularly. Steuben lived his life as an openly gay man which has belittled his accomplishemtns as a general in America. The United States has a long and aggressive history with minorities and keeping their successes out of the mind of many. Baron Frediech Von Stueben was honorably discharged after the war and was seen as a hero. A hero who was never truly "seen."
Sources:
“Biography of Baron Von Steuben.” Ushistory.org, Independence Hall Association, www.ushistory.org/ValleyForge/served/steuben.html.
Blakemore, Erin. “The Revolutionary War Hero Who Was Openly Gay.” History.com, A&E Television Networks, 14 June 2018, www.history.com/news/openly-gay-revolutionary-war-hero-friedrich-von-steuben.
Cover Image from an article: About the Author: BTL Staff Between The Lines has been publishing LGBTQ-related content in Southeast Michigan since the early '90s. This year marks the publication's , and Between The Lines has been publishing LGBTQ-related content in Southeast Michigan since the early '90s. This year marks the publication's 27th anniversary. “Friedrich Von Steuben: Father of the U.S. Military.” Pride Source, 13 Oct. 2011, pridesource.com/article/friedrich-von-steuben-father-of-the-u-s-military/ .
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