BUNBURLY

The Bible describes the love of Jonathan and David, two young princes who could have fought over the throne of Israel, but instead chose to share an intimate relationship. Many consider this to be one of the first accounts of gay love in history.

According to the Books of Samuel, the prince Jonathan was the son of the king of Israel, but David had been anointed as the next king, despite him not being part of the royal family. When David defeated the giant Goliath, he was received by Jonathan, who disrobed himself and dressed David with his own armor.

"The soul of Jonathan was knit to the soul of David, and Jonathan loved him as his own soul", says the Bible.

After Jonathan died, David composed this beautiful song for him:

I am distressed for you, my brother Jonathan;

very pleasant have you been to me;

your love to me was extraordinary,

surpassing the love of women.