Bad Gays E. M. Forster
Dec 30, 2025
Discover the intriguing life of E. M. Forster, a key figure navigating the rigid Victorian standards of his time. From his delayed sexual awakening to the influence of a secret society, his story is rich with irony. Explore his adventures in Italy and India, where he found liberation against colonial constraints. Delve into his relationships, both intimate and platonic, highlighting the dynamics of class and desire. Plus, hear the debate over whether societal repression shaped his literary legacy.
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Train Meeting That Changed Forster
- Ben Miller and Huw Lemmey open with George Merrill's rags-to-companion story and his meeting with Edward Carpenter on a train.
- Merrill's gentle butt touch on visitors inspired Forster's erotic and creative awakening that led to Maurice.
Repression Shaped His Voice
- Forster grew up in Victorian propriety and inherited wealth that allowed a literary life.
- He only learned sexual realities late, claiming he knew how babies were made at 30.
Bloomsbury Influence, Private Restraint
- Forster joined the Cambridge Apostles and the emerging Bloomsbury circle, gaining radical ideas and queer awareness.
- He remained more restrained than peers, staying a virgin until 37.