Roger Peyrefitte, a notable French diplomat, writer, and passionate advocate for the rights of the LGBTQ+ community, particularly with regards to pederasty, was born on August 17, 1907, in Castres, a charming town located in the Tarn department of southern France, to a family of modest means.
Peyrefitte's professional journey began in 1933, when he took on the role of an embassy secretary in Athens, a position he held until 1938. Following this, he transitioned to a diplomatic posting in Paris, where he remained until his resignation in 1940, prompted by personal reasons.
After a brief hiatus, Peyrefitte was reabsorbed into the diplomatic corps in 1943, marking the beginning of a new chapter in his career. He would eventually retire from his diplomatic duties in 1945, bringing a close to his illustrious career in the realm of international relations.
Peyrefitte's literary endeavors frequently revolved around provocative and contentious subject matter, with a notable focus on his own personal experiences of same-sex attraction and affection, which he chose to explore in his 1943 novel, Les amitiés particulières.
This esteemed literary work went on to win the prestigious prix Renaudot award in 1944, garnering widespread recognition and acclaim for its bold and unflinching portrayal of themes that were, at the time, considered taboo and unconventional.
In addition to its literary success, Les amitiés particulières was later adapted into a film, further cementing its place in the cultural consciousness and ensuring its continued relevance and impact on the literary world.
