What kind of evidence are people wanting to find in the books, showing that Dumbledore is gay?

Question

People keep saying, "Where is the evidence? Why couldn't we tell that Dumbledore was gay?"

I am wondering what kind of evidence you are looking for. He was a headmaster, very involved in government, and generally a very influential man. It would have been inappropriate for him to make comments about his sex life, straight or gay, given his position.

If you think of it, there is no evidence that he was straight, either. He never made advancements towards any women. He never mentions having had relationships with women.

Most of his character was shown in his relationships with his students. No way could he have made any references to his sexuality then! Again, gay or straight, it would have been innapropriate.

And, if 10+% of the population is gay, you cannot tell me that there is always evidence just laid out on the table. If you know any gay people, chances are you were surprised when at least one of them came out.

What evidence are you looking for?

Answer 1

I think the evidence is there, but ambiguous enough that it doesn't shout out at you. We have to keep in mind that we're really talking backstory here, the knowledge about the character that informs the way JKR handles the actual writing of the books.

Throughout the series, we know Dumbledore as a tireless and seemingly single-minded fighter against Dark Wizards (at least from Harry's perspective; we do have to remember that Albus is also a great teacher, an alchemist, and important theoretical Wizard--remember the tools and instruments he made himself). But how did Albus become that way?

We learn much about this in DH, with Arianna's story, Aberforth's story and the story of the friendship between Dumbledore and Gellert Grindelwald. In reading DH, it was clear that Grindelwald seduced Dumbledore on a number of levels; intellectually, ideologically, and, by JKR's new revelation, emotionally. We don't know if that seduction was sexual as well, and I'm not sure it is important for us to know.

The revelation completes the picture for us of a man who felt betrayed, injured by one he loved, ashamed at how far he went from rational thought and behavior, how far he really was from what he thought he was.

The up shot is that we now know more completely Dumbledore's motivations for fighting Dark Wizards--his shame at his own tangential contribution to Grindelwald's career, his reluctance to fight him, and, when Voldemort rose, his determination to not to repeat his prior mistake of inaction and to fight Voldemort from the start.

So in summery, It was part of the way JKR viewed Dumbledore and understood him. I don't think it was something that would have come out voluntarily--more likely something that would have made a scholarly article 50 or 60 years from now after she was gone and literary scholars had access to her full notes (assuming she left them to be investigated).

BTW, there is some inkling of this in DH, where Rita Skeeter talks about devoting a chapter in her book about Dumbledore to the Dumbledore/Harry relationship. This is not to say that there was anything improper--but that JKR did put out a hint.

wl

Answer 2

The books don't really show anything in regards to Dumbledore's sexual orientation. He did spend a lot of time communicating with his eventual rival, though. However, I don't think that's really conclusive. As for whether or not Rowling is retelling the story, I think it all depends on whether or not the note she gave the movie people about something wrong with a line in a script is a real thing. But it's her story. It's her imagined world. She can do what she wants with it, as she is it's creator.

Answer 3

Im not much of a Harry Potter fan but my sister is. She came running in my room telling me he was gay.

Answer 4

i think its all hogwash myself.. theres no references to his being gay.. yes there was the statement " his ideas inflamed dumbledore. but i think it was in reference to changing the way wizards and witches are in hiding.. moreso to come out in the open with their powers....not because he was gay

Answer 5

I dont think they need any but I think its stupid that after 7 books she tells us now.

Answer 6

The big dick that he has tatted on his forearm LOL!!!

Answer 7

i had no idea that dumbldore was gay until 3 days ago...i hate it, and have decided to pretend that he is straight...otherwise...it creeps me out.....o_o