George Cecil Ives

George Cecil Ives was a prominent British poet, writer, and penal reformer active during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Notably openly homosexual at a time when such openness was rare, Ives made significant contributions to LGBTQ+ rights. He founded the Order of Chaeronea, a secret society advocating for homosexual rights with around 200-300 members, including both men and women, focusing on social reform rather than sexual encounters.

Ives was a prolific writer, authoring works such as "Eros' Throne," a poetry collection, and non-fiction books like "A History of Penal Methods," which examined penal systems. His detailed diaries provide invaluable insights into the LGBTQ+ community during his era, serving as a crucial historical resource.

Additionally, Ives is speculated to have inspired the literary character Raffles, a gentleman thief. His work and legacy continue to influence studies of late 19th and early 20th-century homosexuality, highlighting his enduring impact on literature, reform, and cultural history.