When was the first documented case either by word, diary, book or painting of homosexuality or lesbianism?

[Oniongirl]

What effect did it have on the people around at the time?

[Duncer]

In the Bible. Apparently somebody "Went to Mount Olive".

[bibblebub]

Sappho, who was around before 600BC, might be in with a chance.

[seadogg]

Didn't the Ancient Greeks take it in their stride?

[Graham-W]

Plato, around 400 bc, wrote that he considered it unnatural although it was considered acceptable to many races. Certainly, the ancient Greeks didn't frown on it.

[seadogg]

Sappho certainly wrote wonderful poems about lesbianism.

[Canary42]

I believe there is a Greek vase of several hundred years BC depicting a scene of homosexual paedophilia (going from memory of my Greek history studies of many years ago).

[plautus]

How about the Greek poetess Sappho, born on the isle of Lesbos c 630 - 570 B.C.? Two terms for female homosexuality, Sapphism and Lesbianism, are derived from her name and birthplace.

There are earlier references in the Bible to male homosexuality (Genesis: the tale of Sodom and Gomorrah) but these may not be accepted as authentic by those who doubt the authenticity of the Old Testament. Another reference can be found int the same book to male masturbation or coitus interruptus. The context does not make clear which.

[seadogg]

If you have read Sappho, Plautus, you might agree that she is at her poetic best in describing longing for love rather than the act itself.

[plautus]

I agree, it's the others who have less pure minds.

[Duncer]

"If you have read Sappho, Plautus, you might agree that she is at her poetic best in describing longing for love rather than the act itself."

The epitome of this is surely Eustacia Vye in Hardy's classic. The only character to rival her is Egdon Heath itself.