Austrian broadcaster ORF highlights ancient gay warriors during Pride Month

The Austrian public broadcaster ORF is dedicating significant portions of its June cultural programming to Pride Month, highlighting LGBTQ+ history and themes. Among its special features is a 90-minute documentary, "The Sacred Band – Gay Warriors of Antiquity."

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The ORF is dedicating significant portions of its June cultural programming to Pride Month.

This film delves into the historical existence of a legendary elite unit, traditionally said to comprise 150 male couples, or 300 warriors. It examines their potential role in military successes, exploring the close personal relationships among the soldiers.

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The Sacred Band – Gay Warriors of Antiquity

ORF's Pride Month lineup extends beyond this documentary. It includes "Stonewall – The Birth of Gay Pride," a special edition of "kulturMontag" titled "Milestones of Queer History," and multiple programs covering the Vienna Pride parade. This year's programming is particularly notable as it coincides with the 30th anniversary of the Vienna Pride parade, which ORF ON will broadcast live on June 13, followed by a special program on ORF 1.

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modern identity categories like 'gay,' 'heterosexual,' or 'LGBTQ' may not necessarily be applicable to ancient societies.

However, the documentary touches upon historical questions where scholarly consensus is not absolute. Some ancient historians point out that modern identity categories like "gay," "heterosexual," or "LGBTQ" may not accurately apply to ancient societies. Classicist David M. Halperin suggests that ancient Greek societal norms and relationships concerning sexuality differed significantly from contemporary understandings. He notes that a man could be married with a family while also having relationships with other men, without this being defined by a specific sexual identity.

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ancient Greek societal norms and relationships concerning sexuality differed significantly from contemporary understandings.