@stevenmandolene53665 years agoAs a 62 year old gay man, I wept deeply watching. I’m a rare survivor of the plague that took my brother and nearly all my friends. A tribute that no matter what happens to us, we will not be denied. I survived I m sure so that our story of suffering , violations, hate and oppression is never forgotten. Thank you so much for this great collection, clear indication, you can beat us, You can hate us, you can try to objectify, subjectify, but you’ll never stop the essence of this life which is called love. ...181
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@CJBlanda6 years agoall lived at one time, all had memories, all tasted the wine, all had feelings, all lived a dream. 287
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@eugeniomingione9254 years agoI can't help crying if I think about how many life stories we leave behind. How much beauty how much suffering has dissolved and now faded over time. Those smiles, those faces, those hands, how much life how many loves and then everything ends, everything passes by leaving us alone ... terribly alone. ...121
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@justpassingby47964 years agoTo all the gays, I am valid, you are valid, we are valid. We deserve to love and be loved. 35
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@pandauk25385 years agoMy grandma told me about a gay couple that lived in her village growing up during the 40's and 50's in the English countryside she said they both were accepted by the community and were well known and liked I thought it sounded really sweet that we still found love in hard times and it's the only time iv heard my grandma talk about a gay couple like that I didn't even think she got the concept of it her being nearly a 100 years old it came up because i was curious about what she would say if i asked her would she come to my wedding if I ever got married to a man and she said yes which actually surprised me being the oldest person in our family and the last of her 12 siblings. ...76
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@treadlightlyorelse8495 years agoMy god gay men have been serving in the military for decades, it is quite a shame that it took so long for them to serve openly. 125
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@davidsavident7518last yearAs a gay man who came out 6 years ago at the age of 62 the pictures made me tearful. I lost my youth and prime in hiding. These guys had to too. It demonstrates that love will always win 18
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@vivianothunyani31936 years agoMany men in Southern Africa where I live just now hold hands or have their arms over their friends shoulder or round the waist while walking in the street. It is not frawned upon here. What is frawned upon is heterosexual couples doing the same. Gay couples have wonderful times here cos nobody knows they are gay or not. I hope it stays that way forever. ...85
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@montgomb35 years agoThis is so beautiful. I just wish I could be open and not be ashamed of who I really am. 56
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@bronzemen345 years agoIm not gay but I have many gay FRIENDS and I love them dearly :) :) - this was extremely beautiful and captivating :) - I feel sadness that most of these men had to hide their own sexuality......I leave with a open mind and open heart and wish nothing but blessings to those who seek TRUE LOVE regardless of gender.......This made me see things differently in a whole new light :) thankyou COOPER :) ...35
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@princepeterwolf5 years agoYou can tell how much they loved each other in every single one if those pictures 23
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@JustAnotherGoddess525 years agoWhy no mention of this BEAUTIFUL music? Who is singing? That made the slide show SO much better! 34
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@ismailmeziani99654 years agoDespite Gay men being oppressed in the past and I'm sure some still are, probably not from the general public but from one's families or friends, especially when you're a muslim but I am happy because I can feel the happiness in every couple depicted in theses pictures shown in this video and that's what really counts. I would give the gold of the world just to have a short moment of happiness like these men experienced. Thanks for sharing! ...17
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@stevostevo2024 years agoThank you for posting this. Thank you for reminding us that we are not alone. Thank you for showing that we have been here for centuries. But, most of all, thank you for showing us all what love really looks like. This is wonderful. ...30
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@harperwelch51473 years agoWe've always been here. Celebrating love, and life, shamelessly enjoying the company of others, being silly and sincere, simple and very complex, and always being beautiful as we do it. 23
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@sergiovo50816 years agoIt's important to love, everything else is nonsense. 43
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@midnightmilkman15 years agoSimply Beautiful either way, just showing men being kind and loving towards eachother is good enough for me 57
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@seanmeisner31906 years agoWhile some of these images are clearly showing couples, I still feel sad that men can't touch or express friendship and affection without automatically being put in a "gay" bag. And people wonder why men are so skittish about showing affection... ...357
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@merrilldellas5505 years agoBeautiful and moving photos. A piece of history we rarely hear about or see. Thanks for sharing, truly moving! 30
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@1aikane5 years agoAwesome! I would love to know these mens' stories. I hope they loved each other and found some happiness in whatever time period they lived in. 20
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@everydaykiva63776 years agoThose faces made me cry. So sweet, old and young. It's painful to think how fear must have played into moments that should've been spent living instead of hiding from the world. No love is ever wasted, but our world is poorer for not knowing the backstories of these men. Some of the most precious love stories of all time may belong to some of the couples photographed. May happily ever after be theirs. Thanks for posting. ...7
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@luisdvaldez29795 years agoSome guys are obviously gay here. But some, it was just the way they posed those years. All depends from where in the world You are watching this. In some countries, men still hug like that, and some close friends even hold hands for a moment. And obviously Not the USA vew. ...95
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@gintechusa4 years agoIt makes me smile and tear up to see the love... And the heartache. I am out and proud, but they never had the chance. Women could almost get away with it, some did, but men were forced to hide. Thank you for sharing this with the world! (and to the people who think they are brothers or related, a thousand times no, most are in heterosexual "family" poses, man on knee instead of wife which is quite intimate for the time, the woman usually sat with husband standing close) Thank you again for showing my Gay Brothers. Your Sister salutes you! (I hope you all met up in heaven) ❤️ ...12
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@MsSoundguy6 years agoThis is beautiful, Cooper Cooper. Thank you so much for finding the pictures and editing this. To paraphrase Leonard Matlovich: "They gave me medals for killing two men and a discharge for loving one." 11
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@jayyoung45344 years agoMay I express my deep appreciation for what I just saw. How wonderful, in the fullest sense of the word. 9
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@renastone12704 years agoI'm just sorry I didn't find this video sooner. This is the most beautiful thing I've seen in a long time. 9
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@PKStefanini5 years agoThis brought me to tears. These viable human beings are born gay. They don't just wake up and decide to be gay. Society still has a long way to go before they are truly accepted. It is so sad and I pray they find an enduring place in the world free of stigma. ...2
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@j.louisv.1236 years agoMany of these photo's are of brother's and/or family and not actual photo's of gay love, or straight men being affectionate friends because back than it was ok to show physical affection with another straight man. ...211
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@Cebu42166 years agoThis is a beautiful, beautiful collection. Thank you for putting these vintage pictures together. 13
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@lizlem47395 years agoVery interesting how so many people are focused on who is gay or who is a friend or who is a brother. I love these photos! How refreshing it is to see men being affectionate with each other. I imagine that at the time it was a great risk to take photos like this. I bless the men who had the courage to have their affection captured on film. ...1
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@jasonrichards28445 years agoBack in those days, men were more physically affectionate with each other in all sorts of ways. There was no identity politics like today, and so men were more free to be affectionate with each other. 86
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@jamesmcinnis2086 years agoI appreciate the spirit of this video, Cooper Cooper, but I wonder if many of these photos are of men simply showing affection for each other with no sexual intent. It used to be OK to do that. 172
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@juneltadeo67906 years agoI can feel the raw, yet genuine affection they are portraying on each picture. I can feel so much emotions, like, “God, they’re so cute on each single picture, the way they kiss and hold each others hand, they don’t have any regrets doing that” so much love ❤️ ...29
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@jackf18413 years agoIt was. It is. Just love. Nothing more, nothing less. Why are some so afraid of it? It's the most beautiful thing we humans have. 4
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@izokay2beewite6715 years agoI find this sad and beautiful. Love always finds a way. 13
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@jamesfitzhugh98566 years agoThere were room mates, of course, the bachelor uncles but you never heard the word boyfriends and one would never, ever say that so and so had a boyfriend instead of girlfriend. Stories were made up in many cases to protect such men. ...43
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@James.Fife056 years agoThanks! What a great collection of photos. Each couple, no doubt, with an interesting story to tell . Certainly some cute faces amongst them. 3
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@russellbogrett6055 years agoJust proves no one will ever hold us back! Love is love! 9
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@cherylholmes86775 years agoWho's to say, some of these pictures might be of brothers or family... 240
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@sronthejourney52256 years agoFOR those who have commented below. It is still a great treasure of photos, and yes not all are gay. but all seem happy to be in each others company, these men are long gone, But why not just say great, Love is what love is and compassion is love for every one, I hope they are resting now no longer having to worry who or why they were hated. Peace;;;;;;;;;; ...63
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@Miss_Wonderful16 years agoWonderful selection of pictures. Some couples might not be gay, but it's interesting to see how a display of affection between men - maybe close friends - was not frowned upon as it is now. 272
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@jal52405 years agoThe courage those guys had to reveal, even by photos, their sexual condition is remarkable ! Truly heroes of their time, examples for today's life and people who hide their love. Congrats for posting ! 5
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@SWLinPHX6 years agoI love really old photographs but I have to admit there’s something haunting about them too. I don’t know if anyone knows what I mean. Just thinking about the times they lived in or how medicine was so primitive and rights were limited and technology was scarce. I think of the hardships of life back then. ...199
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@thomasredman37776 years agoThe combination of "Lo, How A Rose" and "The Rose" is pure genius...the adding the photos is a presentation of true love. I hope for more video like this. 8
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@moushka26924 years agoWhat an extraordinary collection! I don’t know if all the pictures are of gay couples or not, but I know that the overall collection inspired in me an overwhelming feeling of tenderness and sadness. It’s appalling to think that many of these men could have been jailed for falling in love with someone of the “wrong” sex. It must have taken great courage to have their photos taken in such intimate poses. I can’t imagine what pain LGBT people live with, hopefully much less today than in the past, but it must have been devastating before laws were changed. I don’t believe we get to choose our sexuality. It comes with us like our eye and hair colour. Thank you for sharing your beautiful pictures. ...2
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@jmnny853 years agoThis is so sweet, beautiful 💕😍🥰🌈 some of them were probably refered to as long time companions,or confirmed bachelors, it's sad to think of all the self hate so many gay men had and have, how many killed themselves,or ended up in unfulfilling marriages with women. It's great to see this represent how in another time gay men were able to express their true selves and find love and seek happiness 👍🙂 ...5
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@petradonovan51616 years agoThe beauty of this made me tear up. Bravo on putting this together. 3
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@vladimiersy97606 years agoThis really makes me feel happy for who i am..this really touches my soul!💋💗💞 24
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@nealtreadwell58303 years agoGreat video of Gay History and Vintage photos. Six of the photos from the Nini-Treadwell Collection and four are in the new book LOVING A Photographic History, showing 327 vintage photos from the 1850s - 1950s. 1
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@yviwinchester8145 years agoThose days just as now'a days, gay guys are mostly the hottest and most handsome guys! Ain't they? 7
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@Automedon26 years agoThose aren't necessarily gay pictures. American men are very paranoid about appearing to do anything remotely gay looking but it's not uncommon for men in other countries to show affection towards one another even when they are heterosexual. A lot of them, too from physical resemblance were brothers. ...68
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@EBlack-my8mu6 years agoNice Love is love on all sides I thoroughly enjoyed viewing these awesome pics.Thanks 3
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@tashasmith61795 years agoI just don't think that all of these men are gay. I feel like they must be brothers, very close friends or a very close family member. 75
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@pianomanhere4 years agoExcellent presentation. If anyone were ever to compile it, I'd be interested in reading about the provenance of each one of these photos as well as the stories of the individuals in them. Alas, it's probably almost impossible to gather such information. Thanks for posting this. 🌞 ...
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@mariamieves25706 years agoNot All gay, some just good friends horsing Around. 146
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@Alex-zc8ds4 years agolove sees no gender no age and no race ♥️♥️♥️ 4
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@Leo-Lit-Central6 years agoLook at their body language, it communicates and professes their love for one and the other. Look at the expressions on their faces, it symbolizes a stolen moment in time which sort of expressed their freedom while being captured in a photo. "A picture is worth a thousand words" however, It’s extraordinary how pictures tell a story. Some of the photos may not be gay relationships, however they’re deep cherishable moments relating to love & affection between two men who perhaps really care for each other, just my observation... ...27
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@bennomedina-quinsella47636 years agoTears my soul in 2 every time...so beautiful, so poignant, so real...my heart goes out to these souls every time...I cannot even imagine what they had to endure in their lives moment by moment to survive and love another day in secret...so incredible!!! Thank you ...3
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@sronthejourney52256 years agoCan you imagine the courage it took in the day for these men to have the photo taken given what would have happened to them,, yet we still harbour bigotry of every kind within our hearts.. This was great, how did you manage to find this treasure ...5
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@elizabethdubon19465 years agoUN SER HUMANO NO SE MIDE POR SU PREFERENCIA SEXUAL SINO POR SU CALIDAD HUMANA 6
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@richardbenitez78035 years agoI’ve seen most of these pics here and there over past 20 years. Good to see. 3
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@mauricebederon8695 years agoAn impressive collection! Thanks for sharing this.
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@rondouglas26256 years agoGay men have been on this earth since the beginning of time. How brave these early pioneers must have been knowing they could end up in prison or worse. This is still the case today in much of the Muslim world so I want to say to my Muslim brothers to keep the faith and know that we are on your side support you... ...6
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@hsltr16 years agoI loved these pictures ,two men showing affection for each other, some of them military men who most likely died in horrendous circumstances but had a little time to love each other ,how beautiful they were and l smiled with them all through the 7.28 minutes ...4
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@calebmurdock20283 years agoNot all the pictures are gay. Male friends were often affectionate with each other before about 1950. Shortly after that, when gays started to come out of the closet, the natural affection that men shared suddenly began to seem gay, causing straight men to become more distant. It's a shame. Hopefully, some day men will find their affection for each other again. ...2
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@barrycrooks57436 years agoThank you, what an interesting collection. I was surprised at how many of them were in uniform Barrylefumeur
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@bennomedina-quinsella47636 years agoThese poignant and timeless photos capture the essence that existed (even if for a short time) when 2 souls cross paths in life and for reasons we may never understand, are drawn together, despite all the obstacles societies have thrown in their path...very gripping and soul-provoking...you cannot look at these photos and not wonder what their lives were like and sadly how much the pain they endured for being different and daring to care for and to love another...thank you for compiling these little glimpses into their lives...many were remembered for a very long time and these photos remind us they really did exist...thanks again...very touching. The thought that many of these photos were hidden for decades and longer tells us how much they were at risk from the wrath of those who would not allow them to be...unforgettable. I hope they look down on us today and smile...all they ever wanted was to matter to another...thanks. ...3
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@strafrag16 years agoYes, perhaps all these guys were not gay but most were. The ones that are the most romantic looking are truly gay. And yes, our people have been terribly abused over hundreds of years. Thank you so much for this video. 32
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@RedaccionFaro6 years agoBuenísima colección de fotos. Gran trabajo. Gracias por compartirlo...Saludos desde Argentina. Norberto
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@harlandted4 years agoGreat compilation. Thank you. I’ve seen some photos that were tastefully colorized that made the persons jaw dropping real, as if you are looking at a current person. Thank you so much for your excellent production. ...
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@johnwilson69716 years agoIt's easy to feel alone, but keep looking at this and so many are not just lonely but need food clothes a doctor and perhaps somewhere to live. We are lucky just to feel alone. But a smile to anyone brings love to one Its worked for me. Xxxx ...17
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@gowanhewlett7456 years agoSUPERB. Eloquent. Courageous. Noble. Heartwarming. Thankyou. 4
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@davidhaubrick74496 years agoWell done. I so enjoyed your collection.....the music. It brought back a lot of old feeling when I was young and in love.
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@bennomedina-quinsella47636 years agoWhenever I return to watch this video I am reminded of very basic truths that can so easily exist between men...they know so well how to care for each other, to instinctively protect each other and to love each other so easily despite all the obstacles that surround and constantly threaten their very existence...there really aren't words to describe the time and space that these men shared...my heart breaks with happiness for the love they shared so vulnerably...thank you. ...2
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@sbgirl43715 years ago"gay men were the most oppressed group in history" Really? As a disabled person I respectfully disagree. 83
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@mikimike6 years agoNever be ashamed of who you are, because of someone else's bigotry. Beautiful video Cooper Cooper. 243
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@hebajamal30735 years agoBeautiful pictures. I, too, thought with certain pictures they may have been best friends instead of lovers; but hands on legs, hand holding isn't something male friends usually do. What did hit me is how brave they were taking these pictures, especially because of the backlash that could have come as a result. And wondered who took the pictures and what they thought? Were they open-minded... seeing the beauty of the moment and the love shared between two human beings regardless of gender. I would like to think so. Thank you for sharing these beautiful moments with us. ...2
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@davidrenwick59755 years agoHi, lovely collection of photos however I wanted to sound one note of caution in particular with regard to the many posed studio shots. Demonstrations of physical affection between men in Victorian / Edwardian photographs was very common. Indeed photographs where men demonstrate such affection are more common than not. Pictures of men holding hands, a casual hand left on a thigh, an entwined leg often indicate platonic, fraternal, or filial affection which was much more acceptable in that era... Not criticising a collection of lovely photos at all; i wish they all could be of gay men but sadly many of these are not. Hugs and love x ...4
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@johnmatzepw6 years agoBeautiful photos indeed!! ❤ and some photos seem like make me sad.. its like theres something.. 😭😢 i wish they had a wonderful life during their time.. 6
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@nickdavidelijah6 years agocompletely agree with the first line about gays being the most oppressed people in history. every country, skin colour, religion, sex, you name it theyve hated us. but theyll never win. gays are also the strongest people on earth ...14
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@mwdca78105 years agoA beautiful and affirming work. Thank you so much.....I hope this collection finds an appropriate and enduring home. The exquisite beauty and power of an embrace or a simple touch of skin is captured so eloquently.
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@johngolden8912 years agoYour beautifully edited collection of photos of gay couples with the reverentially joyous musical accompaniment has provided a wonderful platform that nobly celebrates the love between men. Do you suppose that any of these couples could have anticipated that a century after these images were taken, tens of thousands of bi and gay men would identify with their love and regard them as their spiritual ancestors? ...1
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@neicarvalhoescritor6 years agoInteresting to see that many of those men were military. Did they have more courage to show their love? Anyway, love has always been love, regardless of time, social status, religion, race. It's so beautiful and moving to see these guys in love. ...73
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@candycandy9005 years agoHermosas fotos, cuántas historias habrás detrás de ellas y cuánto amor reflejan. 6
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@desertb42085 years agoI like to think there all gay,but some look just friendly poses,playing around,or family.There still classy lookin men. 21
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@halley30325 years agowonderfully done. indeed an addition to queer history. how did you ever come by so many? 1
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@SWLinPHX6 years agoHate to sound ignorant but I’m actually very surprised that 150 years ago people felt free to photograph themselves in obvious homosexual relationships. I would’ve thought they were too afraid to have it on film. But I guess they found an empathetic photographer, which was very expensive then, who they could trust. ...71
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@rosalioinojosa6 years agoThis collection is so beautiful. I don't know why, but it kept me crying along the minutes duration. Don't know if it was because of my own gay condition, or if it was because all these kids, for an instant of a photograph suspended eternally on time, were just free to express their love for each other. Beautiful, and powerful. ...53
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@michaelbracey57505 years agoThis isn't "gay history". These largely are photographs of genuine heterosexual male affection before it became taboo. Sad that it died. That lack has harmed us. 21
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@gizzykatkat96875 years agoLoved watching this, can't wait for the day when this love is just like any other. 4
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@mahribeneda64626 years ago39 years ago NY city public library add to the collection a book titled GAY U are interested to see old pictures U should look at this book goes back to 600 years ago. 4
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@chadpayne45656 years agoA great celebration of love between men whether they are straight or gay. Incredibly moving. Thanks so much 22
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@krisdoan22562 years agoI love gay men and wish I could have more of them as friends. As a 67 year old woman who prefers gay men over straight, I wish one of my best friends who was gay was still alive I loved him so!!! These photos and other collection like these make me happy and sad at the same time. Thank you!!! ...
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@kaliwarriorchic41295 years agoBeautiful old photos. Love is a breathtaking experience regardless of label. We all need more. Nicely done sir
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@gunnarthorsen6 years agoSorry, but it's wrong and disingenuous to say or assume that every photo seen here is a photo of a gay couple. Straight men often form close, non-sexual friendships with other men, and yes, in many instances, have love for them in the way that a father loves a son or a brother his brother. That love - friendship - affection - is sometimes expressed in photos (especially in older photos) with an arm around a shoulder, a hand on a knee, or even with hands held. Ever see the film "Breaker Morant"? At the end, two 19th century British soldiers about to be shot by a firing squad walk to their end holding hands, as friends who went through hell together. By all means, celebrate gay history, but also celebrate our diverse yet common humanity, in which displays of affection between two people of the same sex - aren't always indications of sexual orientation or sexual attraction whatsoever. Not helpful to ask men in general to be more sensitive, more caring, then equate examples of that with a gay orientation only. ...186
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@rocolavado44745 years agoWish i could also have someone that i can grow old with, thanks for the pictures and its really inspiring👏 love wins! So envious with them! 4
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@stephenvinson64742 years agoWE EXIST! Our love FOR EACH other including Sexual attraction ..EXISTS ...despite all the efforts to disavow it by those who want to deny us. OUR LOVE IS HOLY! I am 73 now and have some perspective....these photos validate what I needed to KNOW when I first realized me! We must remember the word "gay" had not become ours then. But that didn't matter. ...1
And obviously Not the USA vew. ... 95
(and to the people who think they are brothers or related, a thousand times no, most are in heterosexual "family" poses, man on knee instead of wife which is quite intimate for the time, the woman usually sat with husband standing close) Thank you again for showing my Gay Brothers. Your Sister salutes you! (I hope you all met up in heaven) ❤️ ... 12
with an interesting story to tell . Certainly some cute faces amongst them. 3
Ain't they? 7
All gay, some just good friends horsing
Around. 146
This was great, how did you manage to find this treasure ... 5
Barrylefumeur
Thank you.
I’ve seen some photos that were tastefully colorized that made the persons jaw dropping real, as if you are looking at a current person.
Thank you so much for your excellent production. ...