The New Cultus of Antinous

Abstract

The contemporary Pagan movement, or Neo-Paganism, constitutes a growing sector of modern Western religiosity. While much scholarly attention has focused on larger Pagan religions like Wicca and Goddess Spirituality, this has come at the expense of studies into many of their smaller counterparts. Among those neglected faiths has been the contemporary cultus of Antinous, a small yet growing number of practitioners who venerate the deified lover of the Roman Emperor Hadrian (76–138 ce). Given the same-sex nature of the couple’s relationship, Antinous has come to be seen by many practitioners as “the Gay God” and his cultus has primarily attracted gay men. This article represents the first academic study of this new religious movement, outlining its historical development, examining the beliefs and practices of its adherents, and arguing that it reflects both continuity with earlier forms of Queer Paganism as well as novel developments.