Homosexual References in Moby Dick

In the novel Moby Dick, there are parts Melville mentions that appears to be homosexual references. The relationship between Ishmael and Queequeg seems to be a little more intimate than just a platonic friendship. An example would be when they are on the boat, laying together. Certainly two heterosexual people of the same sex could lay together and have it be strictly platonic, but the respect and interest Ishmael expresses for Queequeg appears to be more than just friendly respect. In my opinion, Ishmael’s fascination seems to be romantic. This could perhaps be similar to his feelings towards his dear friend Hawthorne. Once again, Melville expresses a deep respect for Hawthorne in his letters, but there is a possibility it could be more than just being a fan of his work and a good friend. At the time Herman Melville was alive, homosexuality was taboo but in Moby Dick the references were so subtle that perhaps some of his readers skipped past it and suspected nothing.