The play isn't a tragedy because Edward is queer. It's a tragedy because he's a king and he's so bad at it. His lover is just how his enemies get in.

Gaaaaah, yes. This summarizes beautifully my fascination with historically "bad" kings, queer or not. That tragic ineptitude coupled with the vicissitudes of history is something I find myself drawn to again and again.

This sounds fabulous. I may have to get tickets.