The author begins with discussion of terminology concerning homosexuality in the past and to day (peccatum contra naturam, sodomy, pederasty, gay people, homosexuals, homophobia). In the second part of his article the author presents the development of historical research on homosexuality (male and lesbian) from the beginning of the 18th century (Jeremy Bentham, Johann Winckelmann) till now. The most important books and studies as well as works of synthesis, special journals and bibliographies on the subject are presented, Polish historiography (though very poor) included. The author argues that homosexuality is an important topic of historical research not only as a study on human sexuality but also - and above all - of customs, social and political relations, and culture.