Happy Birthday, Walt! 6 Gay Quotes from the Essential American Poet

Walt Whitman was born May 31, 1819. The great American poet, the "Bard of Democracy," would turn 197 years old this year. Considered by most academics as one of the most influential American poets of all time, Whitman made his name with his collection Leaves of Grass, which included his masterwork "Song of Myself."

Crucial to Whitman's legacy is the ambiguity in some of his poems--and lack of ambguity in others--over his affection for other men. Whitman lauds the universal love and appreciation of both man and woman, lofty and mundane. He may be the highest-profile bisexual artist of our time.

Here are six quotes from his poems that show off his adoration of men and male physicality.