F.B.I. and Homosexuality: Chronology

See also:

F.B.I. and Homosexuality: A History MAIN PAGE

F.B.I. and Homosexuality: Bibliography

F.B.I. and Homosexuality: Chronology, Part 2, 1950-1979

F.B.I. and Homosexuality: Chronology, Part 3, 1980-present

F.B.I. and Homosexuality: Persons and Groups Investigated

UNDER CONSTRUCTION

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1910

1919, August 1

On August 1, 1919, Palmer put 24-year-old J. Edgar Hoover in charge of a new division of the Justice Department's Bureau of Investigation, the General Intelligence Division. It would investigate the programs of radical groups and identify their members.

1919, November 7

On November 7, 1919, a date chosen because it was the second anniversary of the Bolshevik revolution, agents of the Bureau of Investigation, together with local police, executed a series of well-publicized and violent raids against the Russian Workers in 12 cities. The Palmer Raids were attempts by the United States Department of Justice to arrest and deport radical leftists, especially anarchists, from the United States. The raids and arrests occurred in November 1919 and January 1920 under the leadership of Attorney General A. Mitchell Palmer.

1920

1920s

“antique shows” and a “lightness in his step”

Potter, "Queer" (2006): refers to snickering newspaper gossip of the 1920s and 1930s that advertised the director’s attendance at “antique shows” and a “lightness in his step” as he made his daily rounds. Potter's note cites: "Oddly, these gossip items are preserved in a collection of newspaper clippings Hoover kept himself; see J. Edgar Hoover Scrapbooks, RG 65, National Archives, Washington, D.C.

1920, February

"moral perverts"

A. Mitchell Palmer, in his journal article The Case Against the Reds (1920), included in a list of those he opposed as "reds": the International Workers of the World, "the most radical socialists, the misguided anarchists, the agitators who oppose the limitations of unionism, the moral perverts and the hysterical neurasthenic women who abound in communism."

1921

By 1921 Hoover had set up an index system listing virtually every radical leader and organization in the United States, an index that contained upward of 400,000 names.

1920s, late

"a dandyish dresser"

Fox, John (Historian on staff of FBI: In 2010, the FBI's Historian, Dr. John Fox, commented (in part) to retired Agents that "rumors regarding the Director's sexual preferences have been around since the late 1920s or early 1930s. The earliest was a newspaper blurb describing him as a dandyish dresser."

1926

"rumors of Hoover’s homosexuality had circulated in print from the moment he became director in 1926".

1928, April 2

Tolson first joins FBI.

1929, July 31

Hoover makes Tolson head of Buffalo, NY, office of FBI

1930

1930s

"assertion by Elliot Roosevelt (son of President Franklin D. and Eleanor) that his father knew about Hoover’s homosexuality in the 1930s but did not feel it was “grounds for removing him [from his directorship of the FBI] . . . so long as his abilities were not impaired.”

1930, August 16

Tolson named assistant director of FBI for Personnel and Administration.

DATE?

Hoover creates for Tolson the new post of assistant to the director of the FBI.

1933, July 30

"a Y.M.C.A. secretary"

J. Edgar Hoover appointed director of a new Division of Investigation which would include the Bureau of Investigation, the Bureau of Identification, and the Prohibition Bureau of the U.S. Attorney General's Office. Soon after this Newsweek magazine noted that in light of Hoover's activities as Palmer's assistant during the raids on reds, "some experienced Washington observers express astonishment" at Hoover's appointment as director of the new Division, while the new division chief's manner was described as less that of a cop than that "of a Y.M.C.A. secretary."

Describing Hoover's manner as that of "a Y.M.C.A. secretary" is a coded dig at his masculinity and indirectly at his heterosexuality. Compared with a policeman, a secretary (meaning a leader) of the Young Men's Christian Association was popularly seen as relatively lacking in aggressive masculinity and thus in heterosexual potency.

1933, August 19

"walks with a mincing step"

For a larger version of this illustration see: F.B.I. and Homosexuality: A History MAIN PAGE

Ray Tucker, Collier's magazine's Washington D.C. Bureau Chief, writes in an article about the FBI:

In appearance Mr. Hoover looks utterly unlike the story-book sleuth. He is short, fat, businesslike, and walks with a mincing step. His black hair, swarthy skin and collegiate haircut make him look younger than thirty-eight, but heavy, horn-rimmed spectacles give him an air of age and authority. He dresses fastidiously, with Eleanor blue as the favorite color for the matched shades of tie, handkerchief and socks. A little pompous, he rides in an expensive limousine even if only to a nearby self-service cafeteria." Gentry, , pages 158=159.</ref>

Tucker adds, later in his essay:

"at one time or another the bureau's files have contained reports on such prominent Americans as Justice Harlan Fiske Stone, the late Senator Thomas J. Walsh, Senator Burton K. Wheeler, Senator William E. Borah, Dean Roscoe Pound, Prof. Felix Frankfurter, Prof. Zechariah Chafeee Jr., Frank P. Walsh and John L Lewis." Research Request:Any homosexual associations or rumors about any of those people?

For a use of the term "mincing", in New York City, in 1842, to reference effeminate men who desired sex with men see Jonathan Ned Katz's Love Stories: Sex Between Men Before Homosexuality (pages 49 and 357 note 29). Katz also sites another similar reference to "mincing" dating to January 5, 1892, in New York City (page 290). He also refers to a 1933 reference to "mincing" in Chauncey, Gay New York (page 67). For a use of the term "mincing" in association with homosexuality OutHistory.org provides a reference from 1965.

The reference to "Eleanor blue" associates Hoover with a feminine name, thus questioning his masculinity. As an extra dig, "Eleanor blue" also associates Hoover with the first name of the new Democratic president's wife.

"the Hoover stride

"Less than two weeks after the Collier's article appeared, a Washington gossip columnist inquired if anyone had noticed that since the Tucker charge "the Hoover stride had grown longer and more vigorous".

1935, June 10

Photo Hoover and Tolson: Original caption: 6/10/1935-Washington, D.C.- J. Edgar Hoover (wearing hat), head of the Department of Justice, is pictured here attending the Frankie Klick-Tony Canzoneri fight. Hoover, pleased with the work of his "G Men" who broke the Weyerhauser kidnaping with two arrests, is pictured with Clyde A. Tolson (hat in lap), Assistant Director of the department. Corbis Images: Stock Photo ID: BE052352. Date Photographed: June 10, 1935

1935, November 19

Photo Hoover and Tolson: Original caption: Clyde A. Tolson, assistant director, and John Edgar Hoover, director, Federal Bureau of Investigation, U.S. Department of Justice. Corbis Images: Stock Photo ID: VV7769. Date Photographed: November 19, 1935

1936

Photo Hoover and Tolson: Original caption: "1936-J. Edgar Hoover (LEFT) and Clyde Tolson." [Identical hats and suits.] Corbis Images: Stock Photo ID: BE027364

1936, April 28

Photo including Hoover and Tolson): Original caption: "The little matter of dividing the reward of $25,000 in the Lindbergh kidnapping will probably be referred to the New Jersey Court of Chancery. This was announced today (April 28) by Attorney General David T. Wilentz, after a conference of New York City, Federal and New Jersey Police officials in the office of Police Commissioner Valentine, of New York. One point was definitely settled by the conferees; i.e., that no member of the police departments of New York, New Jersey, or of the Federal Department of Justice, will be permitted to claim, or accept any of the money. Those who attended the conference are pictured, left to right: H. Norman Schwartzkopf, of the New Jersey State Police; Anthony M. Hauck, Jr., Hunterdon County, NJ prosecutor; Clyde Tolson, Director of Personnel of the Department of Justice; David T. Wilentz, Attorney general of new Jersey; J. Edgar Hoover. Corbis Images. Stock Photo ID: U770417INP

1936, May 1 <CHECK DATE AND INCLUDE CITATION>

the 'queer' talk" about Hoover"

Alvin Karpis caught by FBI. That "pretty much ended the 'queer' talk" about Hoover, according to Louis Nichols.

During Alvin Karpis's arrest, according to Karpis's nephew Albert Grooms <recorded when?>:

"Alvin told Hoover: 'You're a big, brave S.O. B., you let those agents do all the work, and you take all the credit. What makes me mad is that the number one queer in the FBI captured me." H. boiled and told those guys to get Karpis up to St. Paul: Alvin had embarrassed Hoover in front of his own FBI crew!"

The FBI is said to have claimed that while Karpis was a fugitive he sent a letter to Hoover threatening to kill the director. Alvin Karpis's nephew, Albert Grooms, said: "The letter [Karpis sent Hoover] said that Hoover was as queer as a three-dollar bill. Alvin and Ma [Barker] laughed and laughed about that letter. Alvin said, 'Just imagine how that queer blew his stack.'" Asked in 1994 to produce a copy of Karpis's letter, the FBI could not.

1936, May 8

"Mr. Hoover was in a gay mood"

Associated Press. "G-Men Get Two Kidnappers." New York Times, May 6, 1936.

"Mr. Hoover was in a gay mood as he greeted reporters waiting outside his office after his return from Cleveland this afternoon." (Times, page 8.)

For historical documentation of the term "gay" used as code for "homosexual" see History of the word "gay"

1936, July 12

Photo Hoover and Tolson: FBI Officials Capture Alvin Karpis. (L-R) FBI officials W.R. Galvin, E.J. Connelley, Director J. Edgar Hoover, Clyde Tolson and Dwight Brantley participated in the apprehension of renowned criminal Alvin Karpis in New Orleans. Corbis Images: Stock Photo ID: 42-21707342. Date Photographed: July 12, 1936.

1936, August 18

Photo, Hoover and Tolson (note Tolson's left hand): Original caption:J. Edgar Hoover, Chief G-Man (right) and his right-hand man, Clyde Tolson, snapped at ringside as they attended the Louis-Sharkey fight, at the Yankee Stadium in New York City, August 18. Corbis Images: Stock Photo ID: U360070ACME

1936, August 18

Photo Hoover and Tolson Original caption:J. Edgar Hoover, Chief G-Man (right) and his right-hand man, Clyde Tolson, snapped at ringside as they attended the Louis-Sharkey fight, at the Yankee Stadium in New York City, August 18. Corbis Images: Stock Photo ID: U360070ACME. Date Photographed: August 18, 1936

1937-1977

According to historian Aaron J. Stockham: "Beginning in 1937 and continuing until 1977, the FBI investigated gays as potential security risks who could be blackmailed. Numerous men and women were removed from their government and non-government positions because of the information Hoover's bureau dug up. Only Communists were more systematically investigated by the FBI. In a forthcoming book, Douglas Charles explores these investigations more thoroughly.

1937, March 3

Photo, Hoover and Tolson. Original caption:Photo shows some of the Federal Agents who are in Miami, Florida, to set up a new bureau of the department as they recently relaxed in the sun, while enjoying a game of backgammon. Left to right are J. Edgar Hoover, Chief of the Department; Clyde Tolson, Assistant Director of the F.B.I.; and, standing, Guy Hottel, Special Agent in Charge of the Washington Field Division. Corbis Images: Stock Photo ID: U384154ACME

1937, June 22

Photo, Hoover and Tolson. Both in shorts. Hoover in sandles. Original caption: J. Edgar Hoover (right), chief G-man, with his assistant, Clyde Tolson, as they attended the Louis-Braddock heavyweight championship fight in Chicago, June 22. Corbis Images: Stock Photo ID: U399498ACME.

1937, September 26

Hoover, J. Edgar. "War on the Sex Criminal," New York Herald Tribune, September 26, 1937. 13.

1938

Hoover, J. Edgar. Persons in Hiding. Boston: Little, Brown & Co., 1938. ASIN: B000VJZM30

CHECK CONTENT. NOTE IRONY. See contents page and chapter: "My Boy Is Different".

1938, February 13

Van Gelder, Robert. "J. Edgar Hoover Discusses Crime and Criminals". [Review of Hoover's Persons in Hiding.] New York Times, February 13, 1938

1938, April - 1939

Photo, Hoover and Tolson. Appoximate date: Photo: Original caption:J. Edgar Hoover is seen here with Clyde Tolson at the KFS version of Hellzapoppin, at the Winter Garden. [Laughing.] Corbis Images: Stock Photo ID: U875304INP.

1938, June 6

Photo Hoover and Tolson: Original caption:6/6/1938- FL: J. Edgar Hoover and aide (later presumed to be his lover) Clyde Tolson, to direct the hunt for the kidnapper of 5 year old James B. Cash, Jr. Corbis Images: Stock Photo ID: BE034390

1938, December 15

Photo Hoover and Tolson. Original caption: 12/15/1938-Miami Beach, FL: L to r Guy Hottell, special agent of FBI; J. Edgar Hoover, Chief of the F.B.I. and Clyde Tolson, Assistant to Hoover in pursuit in [of?] sunshine. Corbis Images:

Second version same photo shoot: Original caption:Miami, Florida: J. Edgar Hoover (center) combines business with pleasure on a recent trip to FL. He is shown with two of his Aides, Guy Hottell, (left) special agent of the Washington F.B.I. office, and Clyde Tolson (right), Hoover's assistant. Stock Photo ID: BE027691. Date Photographed: December 15, 1938

UNDATED

Photo Hoover and Tolson: Clyde A. Tolson, J. Edgar Hoover, and friends (l to r) relax on the water. [Hoover's hand over Tolson's shoulder.] Corbis Images: Stock Photo ID: NA013085

UNDATED

Photo Hoover and Tolson: John Edgar Hoover and Clyde Tolson. Corbis Images: Stock Photo ID: 42-21707351. Date Photographed: Unknown

UNDATED

Photo Hoover and Tolson Stock Photo ID: NA013089 Photo: J. Edgar Hoover relaxes with his friend Clyde A. Tolson. [Fishing, shirts off.] Corbis Images: Stock Photo ID: NA013089

UNDATED

Photo Hoover and Tolson. Original caption: Clyde Tolson and J. Edgar Hoover is [sic shown here arriving at the U.S. Supreme Court Building.] Corbis Images, no date: Stock Photo ID: U953892INP

1939

Photo, Hoover and Tolson: J. Edgar Hoover and his assistant Clyde Tolson sitting in beach lounge chairs. 1939 (publication date). Publication:Los Angeles Daily News.

1939, June 28

Photo, Hoover and Tolson: Original caption: Clyde Tolson (left) of the Department of Justice, and chief G-Man, J. Edgar Hoover, as they attended the Louis-Galento title fight at the Yankee Stadium, June 28. Corbis Images. Stock Photo ID: U510040ACME.

1940

1942, May 7

On May 7, 1942, the New York Post, which had long favored U.S. involvement in the European conflict, implicated the isolationist Senator David I. Walsh in a sensational sex and spy scandal uncovered at a Brooklyn male brothel for U.S. Navy personnel that had been infiltrated by Nazi spies. See: David Ignatius Walsh: November 11, 1872 – June 11, 1947

1943

Potter "Queer" (2006): "as early as 1943, Hoover began to use FBI agents systematically to repress those who gossiped in casual conversation about his alleged homosexuality." Citing Athan Theoharis, J. Edgar Hoover, Sex and Crime: An Historical Antidote (Chicago: Ivan R. Dee, 1995), 34–36; see also Kessler, The Bureau, 98–99.

Terry, J.: "FBI documents indicate that as early as 1943, agents under his [Hoover's] direction believed that Hoover was 'queer' and that his relationship with FBI official Clyde Tolson was homosexual in nature. Hoover attempted to suppress these rumors and kept his own private files on 'derogatory information' that named the culprits of such gossip.

Potter "Queer" (2006): "Thousands of soldiers, many of them combat veterans, were drummed out of the military by psychiatrists beginning in 1943. Their dishonorable discharges made many homosexuals unemployable and ineligible for the government benefits that expanded the middle class after World War II even while it emphasized their presence in society."

1945, September 2

"the postwar rumors [about J. Edgar Hoover's homosexuality] were probably generated by one of Hoover’s political enemies in the CIA".

1948

Kinsey report on the sexuality of human males.

1948-1971

FBI Surveillance of Mattachine Society, 1948-1971