Len & Cub: A Queer History

Len and Cub, who grew up in Havelock, New Brunswick, were neighbors and shared a love of the outdoors, animals, and adventure. Their photographs, taken by Len, document their relationship and challenge contemporary ideas about sex and gender expression in the early 20th century.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 192 pages
Publication date: 05 April 2022
Publisher: Goose Lane Editions

In the early 20th century, Leonard Len Keith and Joseph Cub Coates, two neighbors from the rural New Brunswick village of Havelock, developed an inseparable bond. Len, an amateur photographer and automobile enthusiast, owned a local garage and poolhall after serving in the First World War. On the other hand, Cub was the son of a farmer and a veteran of the First World War, who also worked as a butcher, contractor, and horse lover. Their time together is documented through Lens photos, which showcase their shared love for the outdoors, animals, and adventure. Photographs of Len and Cub on hunting and canoe trips, embracing each other tightly or sharing a bed, clearly depict the deep affection they held for one another. Their story stands as one of the oldest photographic records of a same-sex couple in the Maritimes.

Len & Cub explores the life and relationship of Len and Cub against the backdrop of same-sex identity and relationships in rural North America during the early 20th century. Despite Len's outing and forced departure from Havelock in the 1930s, their story remains one of profound love and friendship that challenges contemporary notions of sex and gender expression during that time.

Through the Lens of Len & Cub, we witness the intimate moments shared by Len and Cub, capturing their bond and the challenges they faced as a same-sex couple in a conservative and intolerant society. The photographs provide a poignant glimpse into their lives and the strength of their connection, offering a testament to the enduring power of love and friendship.

Len & Cub is not only a historical document but also a powerful exploration of identity and the human experience. It challenges us to think beyond the boundaries of gender and sexuality and to recognize the beauty and complexity of human relationships. The film serves as a reminder that love and companionship can exist beyond traditional societal norms and that the stories of marginalized communities deserve to be heard and celebrated.

In conclusion, Len & Cub is a remarkable film that offers a unique perspective on the lives and relationships of Len and Cub. Through the Lens of Len & Cub, we gain a deeper understanding of the challenges faced by same-sex couples in rural North America during the early 20th century and the resilience and strength of their love and friendship. The film serves as a testament to the power of love and the importance of preserving the stories of marginalized communities.

Weight: 396g
Dimension: 166 x 228 x 15 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781773102641