Achillean Meaning: Where Myth Meets Identity

Want to climb your man like Mount Olympus? If so, calling him your Greek god might be more than dirty talk. 

There are countless ways to describe men who love other men. For some, gay feels just right, whereas others find comfort in more obscure terms that better reflect gender-nonconforming identities.

Enter our favorite Greek hero, Achilles. An Achillean man is a man or masculine-aligned individual who’s attracted to other men and masculine-aligned people.

We’ll explore the meaning of the Achillean identity and its cultural and historical influences. Just don’t ask us the color of anyone’s toga. 

Achillean meaning

Greek mythology is more dramatic than a Real Housewives reunion. Fortunately, the definition of an Achillean is pretty simple. 

Achillean describes a male-identifying or masc nonbinary person who feels their loins light up like the fire of Prometheus around other masculine and male-identifying people. Achilleans aren’t necessarily only attracted to men, so this umbrella term covers gay, bisexual, pansexual, and other queer men.

The identifier is used similarly to “Sapphic,” a popular term for women and feminine people who are attracted to other women and femmes who may not necessarily identify as lesbian. 

How the word “Achillean” originated

The lore on this gay term is older than RuPaul, if you can believe it. The word “Achillean” is rooted in Greek mythology, referring to Achilles, the hero of Homer’s Iliad. In the epic poem, Achilles maintains a… close friendship… with Patroclus, whose death sets Achilles off on a path of rage and vengeance. 

Ancient Greece was full of naughty boys. If you enjoyed watching that French pole vaulter knock down the bar with his schmeat, wait until you hear about the ancient Spartans. They set a trend by competing in the Olympic games naked, stripping out of their loincloths and rubbing themselves down with oil. But we digress.

If this all seems kinda gay, you’re onto something. At the time of Homer’s epic, homoerotic relationships were common. Current historians are fairly confident Achilles and Patroclus were more than just platonic buddies (unless you’re using the classical definition). In other words, Achilles erupted like Mount Vesuvius all over Patroclus’s belly on the regular.

Unfortunately, academics loved to straight-wash these stories until quite recently. Achillean was first used to describe an erotic male-male bond in a 1959 article by A.C. Hamilton titled “Spenser’s Treatment of Myth.” In it, Hamilton used “Achillean” as a substitute for the then-derogatory term “gay” while analyzing Edmund Spenser’s poem The Faerie Queene. 

More recently, Tumblr users have taken the term Achillean from academic contexts into the LGBTQ lexicon as an alternative label for men loving men (MLM).

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Comparing Achillean to other identities

We get it; everyone wants a piece of some hot Greek ass. But since Achillean sexuality is so inclusive, it’s often confused with other sexual identities. So, let’s clear the air.

Achillean vs. MLM

MLM stands for multi-level marketing. You’ve gotta spread the gay agenda somehow.

Just kidding! MLM’s meaning in LGBTQ parlance is short for “men loving men.” Like Achillean, MLM doesn’t imply exclusive attraction to men; bi and pan guys also fit the bill. In fact, MLM is often used interchangeably with Achillean. However, some say “men who love men” is slightly more specific since it doesn’t include demigender and nonbinary folks.

Use whichever feels right for you and respect others’ preferences. We’re all on our own odyssey, after all. 

Achillean vs. gay

It’s true; gay men love men. Guilty as charged! That makes all gay men Achillean. But not all Achilleans are gay men. “Gay” typically refers to men who are exclusively attracted to other men. Conversely, Achillean includes other masculine-aligned identities, such as demiguys, and doesn’t necessarily imply the guy only likes guys. 

Achillean vs. bisexual

Think of this one like a Venn diagram. Some bisexual people are Achillean. Some Achilleans are bisexual. But the terms don’t totally overlap. Male, female, other — anyone of any gender can be bisexual. Only bisexuals who are masculine-aligned and/or male are considered Achillean.

Achillean vs. SGL

The meaning of SGL is “same-gender loving.” It’s a term used primarily by Black LGBTQ folks to describe sexual attraction to someone of the same gender. Like bisexual, this term is gender-agnostic, so women and femmes can be SGL, too.

The Achillean flag

Pride parades can feel like a yassified United Nations — gay flags everywhere. You’re likely to spot an Achillean Flag, which features two horizontal light-blue stripes flanking a light-green stripe with a green carnation in the center. 

The green carnation is a queer symbol popularized by novelist Oscar Wilde. In 19th century England, Oscar Wilde and other gay men would pin a green carnation on their lapels to indicate their sexuality. Basically, cruising for the very demure, very mindful Victorian man. 

How to know if you’re Achillean

Achillean is a dynamic term. Many use it alongside other sexual orientations or as a broad, standalone term. Are you Achillean? You might be if these statements apply to you:

• You’re a man or a masculine-identifying person who feels physical or sexual attraction to male or masc people
• You embrace gender and sexual fluidity and don’t want to label your sexual identity with rigid definitions
• You haven’t figured out where you fit on the sexual spectrum (Sapiosexual? Graysexual? Aceflux?)
• The term “gay” doesn’t totally encompass your sexuality

Like any other LGBTQ identity, the best way to learn whether you’re Achillean is to get out there, touch some grass, interact with your queer community, and then examine the ensuing feelings.

How to show up for Achilleans

Want to be the Patroclus to his Achilles? Or maybe just a supportive Ajax type? Here’s how to be an ally to Achilleans:

• Listen and learn: Get invested in the experiences and stories of the Achilleans in your life. It can be scary to define your sexuality; your empathy and unconditional support build a stronger community for everyone.
• Create safe spaces: Lead by example and foster environments where Achillean individuals feel safe being themselves. Uplift and accommodate them in LGBTQ events and spaces in your community. 
• Educate yourself: Don’t just read smutty Greek fanfiction; learn some real queerstory. Stay informed about cultural history, sexual identities, and intersectional challenges in our community so you can advocate with compassion.
• Use inclusive language: Terms like “Achillean” and “Sapphic” are meant to connect diverse communities. The words you choose matter; using someone’s preferred terms makes all the difference.

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