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When we think of pirates, we usually think of buried treasure, eye patches, and maybe a very dramatic Johnny Depp. But if you dive into the actual history of the "Golden Age of Piracy," you’ll find something much more interesting than parrots and peg legs. You’ll find a level of social progression that the "civilized" world wouldn't catch up to for centuries.
Specifically, I’m talking about Matelotage.
Forget the heteronormative tropes of the 1700s. While people back on land were being thrown in prison, or worse, for loving the same sex, pirates were out there signing legal contracts to spend their lives together. If you're a fan of MM romance books or gay historical romance, you need to know about this, because it is the ultimate "us against the world" trope come to life.
What Exactly was Matelotage?
The word "matelotage" comes from the French word matelot, which means sailor (and is actually the root of the word "mate" as in "shipmate"). In the 17th and 18th centuries, particularly among the buccaneers of the Caribbean and the "Brethren of the Coast," matelotage was a formal, civil union between two men.
It wasn’t just a casual "hey, we’re besties" situation. It was a recognized social and economic partnership. Think of it as a pirate version of a civil union or a prenuptial agreement, but with more rum and sword fighting. When two men entered into matelotage, they agreed to share everything: their property, their food, their living quarters, and: most importantly: their future.
The "Till Death Do Us Part" of the Caribbean
Life on the high seas was dangerous. Between scurvy, naval battles, and the occasional hurricane, the life expectancy of a pirate wasn't exactly long. This is where matelotage became a stroke of genius for survival.
The contract ensured economic security. If one partner died in battle or succumbed to tropical fever, his matelot inherited everything. We’re talking about his share of the plunder, his weapons, his clothes, and his wages. In a world where queer people were often cast out by their biological families, this was a way to ensure that their "chosen family" was taken care of.
But it wasn't just about the gold. It was about emotional security. These men were each other’s primary confidants and protectors. In battle, a pirate fought harder knowing his matelot was at his back. They were "ride or die" in the most literal sense possible.
Beyond "Roommates": The Romantic Reality
Historians have spent a long time trying to "straight-wash" matelotage, claiming it was just a business arrangement. But let’s be real: when two people exchange gold rings, pledge eternal union, and share a single bed (or hammock) in a community that explicitly rejects mainstream society’s rules, it’s pretty clear what’s going on.
While not every matelotage was sexual, many absolutely were. These partnerships offered a safe harbor for men who couldn't live authentically in London, Paris, or Madrid. In the pirate world, your skill with a cutlass and your loyalty to the crew mattered way more than who you loved.
For readers who devour gay romance novels, matelotage hits all the best tropes:
- Forced Proximity: Living on a cramped ship? Check.
- Us Against the World: Being literal outlaws? Check.
- Protection: Fiercely defending your partner from the Royal Navy? Check.
If you’re looking for a modern take on these high-stakes historical vibes, you should definitely check out The Swordsman's Compass in our store. It captures that same intensity of devotion in a historical setting.
The Great Tortuga "Fix"
The historical records from Tortuga: the famous pirate haven: give us a hilarious look at how much this practice annoyed the "moral" authorities of the time. In 1645, the Governor of Tortuga, Jean Le Vasseur, was so worried about the "immorality" of all these men living in matelotage that he actually requested 2,000 prostitutes be sent from France to the island.
His plan? He thought if there were enough women around, the pirates would stop pairing up with each other.
The result? It backfired spectacularly. Many pirates did end up marrying the women, but they didn’t give up their matelots. Instead, they just included the women in their existing lives, often sharing their wives with their matelots or maintaining both relationships simultaneously. It turns out, you can’t just "policy" away queer love, even in 1645.
Matelotage in 2026: Why It Still Matters
At Readwithpride.com, we believe that knowing our history is vital. The stories of matelots remind us that LGBTQ+ people have always found ways to create community, legal protections, and deep, lasting bonds: even in the most hostile environments.
In 2026 gay books, we see a massive resurgence in pirate-themed MM romance. Why? Because the ocean represents freedom. It’s a place where the rules of the land don’t apply. For a pirate, the ship was a microcosm of a better world where you were judged by your character and your contributions, not your identity.
Whether you are looking for steamy MM romance set on a galleon or a heartfelt gay fiction story about survival, the legacy of matelotage is the foundation. It’s the original "marriage equality" story, written in salt and gold.
Exploring More Queer History and Fiction
If you're ready to dive deeper into the world of LGBTQ+ fiction, we have plenty of resources to help you find your next obsession. From gay historical romance to modern MM contemporary hits, our library is growing every day.
- Check out our latest releases for the best of 2026.
- Explore our product categories to find your favorite tropes.
- Follow the journey of our featured writers like Dick Ferguson.
The "Brethren of the Coast" might be gone, but the spirit of matelotage lives on in every story that celebrates two men choosing each other against all odds.
Join the Crew!
Don't miss out on our upcoming lists of the best MM romance books of 2026. We’re constantly updating our site with reviews, author interviews, and deep dives into queer history just like this one.
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Whether you're a seasoned reader of M/M books or just starting your journey into queer fiction, there's a place for you here. Let’s keep reading with pride, exploring the oceans of our history, and celebrating the love stories that were once kept in the shadows of the rigging.
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