Many people are unaware of the sexually non-conforming aspect of the Zealots. This according to Josephus (Wars of the Jews, IV.9.10):

“While the (Zealot) inclination to plunder was insatiable, as was their zeal in searching the houses of the rich; and for the murdering of the men, and abusing of the women, it was sport to them. They also devoured what spoils they had taken, together with their blood, and indulged themselves in feminine wantonness, without any disturbance, till they were satiated therewith; while they decked their hair, and put on women’s garments, and were besmeared over with ointments; and that they might appear very comely, they had paints under their eyes, and imitated not only the ornaments, but also the lusts of women, and were guilty of such intolerable uncleanness, that they invented unlawful pleasures of that sort. And thus did (Zealots) roll themselves up and down the city, as in a brothel-house, and defiled it entirely with their impure actions; nay, while their faces looked like the faces of women, they killed with their right hands; and while their gait was effeminate, they presently attacked men, and became warriors, and drew their swords from under their finely dyed cloaks, and ran every body through whom they alighted upon.”

Probably the main reason for the widespread ignorance of this passage is that it is not in the interest of any large religious group to publicize it. The fact of the Zealot’s sexualality is embarrassing for all the major players.

This passage reminds me of ACT-UP during the Reagan presidency, on steroids.