#bibirthday

Frida Kahlo is arguably Mexico’s most famous artist. Inspired by the country's popular culture, she employed a naïve folk art style to explore questions of identity, postcolonialism, gender, class, and race in Mexican society.

Her paintings often had strong autobiographical elements and mixed realism with fantasy. In addition to belonging to the post-revolutionary Mexicayotl movement, which sought to define a Mexican identity outside of European colonialism, Kahlo has been described as a surrealist or magical realist.

Although she was disabled by polio as a child, Kahlo had been a promising student headed for medical school until a traffic accident at age eighteen, which caused her lifelong pain and medical problems. During her recovery, she returned to her childhood hobby of art with the idea of becoming an artist.

Kahlo's interests in politics and art led to her joining the Mexican Communist Party in 1927, through which she met fellow Mexican artist Diego Rivera.

Kahlo's work as an artist remained relatively unknown until the late 1970s, when her work was rediscovered by art historians and political activists. By the early 1990s, she had become not only a recognized figure in art history but also regarded as an icon for Chicanos, the feminism movement, and the LGBT movement. She had a tumultuous relationship with her husband, Diego Rivera. Both had a number of affairs — some sanctioned and some on the sly. They even divorced for a year and then remarried. Her lovers included a diverse selection of men and women, many of them well-known thinkers and artists in their time. Over the years, she had affairs with Leon Trotsky, Josephine Baker, Chavela Vargas, Georgia O'Keeffe, and Isamu Noguchi.

Nathaniel Hawthorne is known for his classic novel The Scarlet Letter, published in 1850.

Hawthorne found inspiration for Hester Prynne's name while working as a customs surveyor at the Salem Custom House, where he discovered a worn piece of cloth with the embroidered letter "A" on it. This embroidered letter, in the context of the novel, symbolizes the adultery committed by Hester Prynne and serves as a public mark of her sin.

The story goes that Hawthorne discovered the embroidered cloth while exploring the attic of the Custom House. The cloth was believed to have been used as a real-life symbol of shame for a woman in the Puritan era. This discovery allegedly sparked Hawthorne's imagination, leading him to create the character of Hester Prynne and incorporate the scarlet letter prominently into his novel.

Steve Orlando is a comic book writer best known for his work with DC and Marvel Comics, including series such as Justice League of America, Batman, Wonder Woman, Spider-Man, X-Men, and the Avengers.

🌈 Today on his birthday, let's delve into the fascinating world of Alexander the Great, a legendary figure whose conquests reshaped history. Beyond his military prowess, there's a captivating aspect of his life that often sparks intrigue: his bisexuality. Let's explore this lesser-known facet: 🛡️ Born in 356 BCE, Alexander III of Macedon, better known as Alexander the Great, was a military genius and one of history's most influential leaders. 💕

Alexander's bisexuality was an integral part of his identity. He had deep emotional and physical connections with both men and women. 🔥 One notable relationship in Alexander's life was with his companion and close friend, Hephaestion. Their bond was profound and enduring, often described as a romantic partnership. Hephaestion held immense influence in Alexander's life, accompanying him on his conquests and serving as a trusted advisor. 🌍

Alexander's inclusive attitude extended beyond his personal relationships. During his reign, he promoted cultural exchange and adopted customs from various conquered territories. This approach fostered tolerance and acceptance of diverse traditions, including different expressions of love and sexuality. 👑

Today, we honor the legacy of Alexander the Great, not just for his military achievements, but also for the way he defied societal norms and embraced the diversity of human connections. Let's celebrate the vibrant tapestry of identities that have shaped our world throughout history.