What was the sexual orientation of Thomas Edison?

Answer 1

Well, you know, Thomas Edison's sexual orientation isn't something that's widely documented or known for sure. What's important is to focus on his incredible contributions to the world of invention and innovation. Let's celebrate his creativity and ingenuity, and remember that everyone's personal life is their own business.

Answer 2

Probably not, but:

At his estate in Ft Myers, where he had his winter home, the home was built in 1887, and in 1916, his best friend Henry Ford, bought the property next door. Ford was Edison's best friend and seemed quite taken by him. When Ford bought the property, Edison was so happy to have him next door that he built him a house as a gift.

The interesting thing is that home Edison built for Ford is an exact copy of his own home next door. Edison also built a portico between the two houses thus adjoining them. Would a straight man build their best friend a home next door? An exact clone of their own and attaching the two together? The tour guide seemed to suggest that Edison was always distant when it came to his relationships with his two wives.

Also, Edison is credited with inventing the moving picture (which is disputed). One of his first known films is of two men dancing together in a tight embrace, as a third plays the violin.

Other photos at the Edison estate were of summer parties at the pool where younger men in bathing suites seem to out number women.

EDIT:

While the above information is accurate, I would suggest looking into the history of male relationships, since we often project our own insecurities onto the things we see in the past. History is full of intensely close male relationships, absent of sex or a sense that they're "gay." Being close friends with a fellow man was valued far above friendships or relationships with women, without fear of showing affection. Women were just what you had sex with. It's just a different perspective.

Another comment:

It is doubtful that Edison and Ford had sexual relations. Henry Ford was known to have cheated on his wife with another woman.

Answer 3

He was never married and was never romantically involved with a woman. it is noted, though, he received Sarah Bernhardt at his lab- she seemed to be attracted to inventors, having had an audience with Edison once- .