Achillean

Alternate Names

Ganymedic, after Ganymede in Greek mythology^[3]
Patroclean, after Patroneclus in Greek myhtology^[3]
Sivanic, after singer & YouTuber Troye Sivan^[3]
Tomic, after erotic artist Tom of Finland^[3]
Vincic, after Leonardo Da Vinci^[3] (See Vincian)
Apollian, after Greek/Roman diety Apollo^[4]
Wildean, after writer Oscar Wilde^[5]
Chaeronian, after gay rights organization Order of Chaeronia^[6]^[7]
Theban, after (gay) sacred band of thebes, 4th century B.C.^[7]
Hyacean, after a male lover of Apollo^[8]
Hyacique, after a male lover of Apollo^[9]
Asterian/Laverian

Attracted to

Term defines men who are attracted to men

Coined By

Originally used by A.C. Hamilton^[2]
Popularized as a MLM term by Tumblr user acsulan^[3]

Coining Date

1959^[2]
June 13, 2016^[3]

Achillean is a sexual and/or romantic orientation in which a man or non-binary individual is attracted to other men and/or non-binary individuals. One may or may not be attracted to other genders as well.

Achillean is not exclusive, as the label is an umbrella term for all men/non-binary individuals who love other men/non-binary individuals, including those who identify as gay, bisexual, pansexual, queer, or other masculinity-including orientations, promoting solidarity among all of these identities.

The term can be used as a modifier combined with other identities to specify that one prioritizes their attraction to and relationships with other men/non-binary individuals. It may also be used as an identity on its own, and may be particularly useful for individuals who are certain of their attraction to masculine and/or non-binary individuals, but may be uncertain if they are attracted to other genders.

The term 'achillean' can also be used to describe a relationship between the same/similar gender. (Ex: The attraciton between the two Greek heroes was achillean--meaning that the relationship was homosexual.)

History[]

The word achillean has historically been used to describe things relating to the mythological figure Achilles. The first instance of achillean being used in the context of men attracted to men is in 1959 in A.C. Hamilton's scholarly article titled "Spenser's Treatment of Myth":

"Guyon subdues these Achillean affections through his own power; but they break out again as Cymochles lapses into lust and Pyrochles burns in the idle lake."^[2]

This usage predates the reclamation of the word "gay", previously only a derogatory term for homosexual men, as a synonym for self-identified and proud homosexual by the Gay Liberation Front by ten years.^[10]

The resurgence of achillean is likely due to the internet, specifically a post by Tumblr user asculan on June 13, 2016.^[3]

Currently, there is still much debate over the name of the term, hence the long list of possible alternate names. This is because there is debate over whether or not the storied Achilles hero on which the name is based is thought by some to be a pedophile and/or a rapist; a resource debunking these theories can be found here. The term is fine to use, but so are any of the alternate names, depending entirely on one's level of comfort.

Gallery[]

The original achillean flag was created by Tumblr user pridenpositivity in 2016.^[11] The flag was redesigned by DeviantArt user Pride-Flags on October 5, 2016,^[1] which is widely accepted as the current achillean flag.

Both flags have two blue stripes on the top and bottom representing men. In the center is a green carnation. In ancient Rome and 19th century England, green indicated gay affiliations. Victorian men would often pin a green carnation on their lapel, as popularized by author Oscar Wilde. In general, the achillean flag represents joy.

A commonly used alternate flag, with a darker blue stripe and a green stripe with the same symbolism, was created by Reddit user Pacack on September 6, 2019.^[13]

Etymology[]

The word "achillean" comes from the name of the hero in the Iliad, Achilles, who was romantically involved with another man, Patroclus.^[2]

Achillean

Contents

History[]

Gallery[]

Etymology[]

References[]

See Also[]