John F. Kennedy, a man who kept many secrets, had a life-long love affair with another man. It was risky. The affair was with Kirk LeMoyne Billings, known as Lem. They met in 1933. Lem was 16 years old. Jack was 15. They were at Choate, an elite boarding school in Connecticut. From the start, Lem had strong feelings for Jack. Jack, on the other hand, didn’t notice at first. But over time, Jack learned about Lem’s affection.
Lem was different from Jack. Jack was popular, confident, and charismatic. Lem was not. Lem admired Jack from the start. Jack didn’t seem to mind. Their friendship deepened. Jack wasn’t bothered by Lem’s feelings. At one point, Lem wrote a note on toilet paper, confessing his love. It was a common trick at Choate. Jack’s response was clear: “Please don’t write to me on toilet paper anymore. I’m not that kind of boy.”
Despite this, Jack didn’t break off the friendship. They remained close. Their bond grew stronger. Jack didn’t care about people’s opinions. He didn’t worry about rumors. He liked the attention. Lem adored him. Jack enjoyed the praise. Lem often served him. He did Jack’s laundry and even massaged his back.
A deep, unspoken connection
Jack and Lem shared something unique. Their bond wasn’t just about friendship. Jack would often mock Lem. But Lem didn’t mind. They shared private moments. Jack joked about their sexual experiences. One time, they even shared a prostitute in New York. Their friendship grew complicated. They had a special language. It included insults that were signs of affection. Jack even joked about not being able to find Lem a girlfriend. Yet, despite Jack’s teasing, Lem never left his side.
As their friendship developed, Jack’s letters became more graphic. One letter described his frustrations with being sick. He complained about his body’s decline. He was candid, even crude, about his experiences. But despite all this, Jack’s affection for Lem was clear. Their bond was more than just physical. Jack seemed to depend on Lem emotionally. Lem was always there. He was loyal and supportive.
Jack had a unique way of showing affection. He would often taunt Lem about his lack of romantic success with women. But this didn’t change their bond. Their letters continued, filled with jokes and private references. In fact, Jack saved a scrapbook with photos of Lem. They shared intimate, affectionate moments. One photo showed Lem in a compromising position. It was clear their relationship was more than just platonic.
Enter Jackie: The complicated love triangle
In 1952, Jackie Bouvier entered the picture. She was aware of Jack’s history with Lem. And she accepted it. Jackie knew Jack had been intimate with Lem. But she chose to marry him anyway. It was clear that Lem was non-negotiable in Jack’s life. Jackie didn’t object. She knew the dynamics. Lem and Jack had a deep, unbreakable bond. Jackie’s acceptance was key. She married Jack in 1953.
By 1960, they were in the White House. And so was Lem. Lem had his own bedroom in the White House. Jackie found this arrangement difficult. She confided in a senator. She wanted Jack to herself. But Lem was always there. Lem bathed Jack, massaged him, and even helped him with his shoes and socks. Jackie could barely stand it. Whispers of their “special relationship” spread. It wasn’t just the press that noticed. The FBI and CIA grew concerned. They feared the relationship could be used against Jack.
Jackie’s father, Black Jack Bouvier, had been bisexual. So, she wasn’t shocked. She learned to tolerate Lem. She saw his loyalty to Jack. Lem often provided stress relief for Jack. But Lem didn’t always stay quiet. He eventually admitted that he and Jack had been intimate. This admission caused further tensions. Jack never fully acknowledged the homoerotic nature of their relationship. But Lem didn’t mind. He was committed to Jack, no matter what.
