GAY HISTORY, VINTAGE PHOTOS

Dedicated to the LGBT community and Allies

[@stevenmandolene5366]

As 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.

[@famousgraves6817]

Thanks brother. Xo

[@njroselee4253]

As a 62 year old gay woman, I too lost so many gay male friends in Toronto. It was a frightening time.

[@ms.martiegallego8834]

I'm a 71 year old TRANS LADY, and I lost my Brother and three Cousins to the AIDS PANDEMIC !! I Was touched as All of Us were. I Personally don't know anyone that wasn't one way or another !! I learned so much about Life. As Human children learn of life from their parents, first, I do know that the hate of another is taught ! There is a small, but oh so significant song in the Rodgers and Hammerstein Musical," South Pacific" , dealing with prejudice, and how children are taught to hate, also in the Broadway Musical, ," Into The Woods," the song Children Will Listen, deals with the fact that our little ones learn from the words that come out of the adults mouths, so be aware of what You say!! I also learned that LOVE never dies! It like the Spirit, goes on !! I'm sending You Love ! !

[@ivorwm2291]

I'm 67 and I feel like one of the dinosaurs in Fantasia searching for water. I've now survived another plague. I won't let our group be forgotten. Seeing this made me cry. My friends and I had planned to be together at this time if life. I'm the only one left

[@EnriqueSantana-sc3ej]

Wonderful, Bro. God bless you. ❤

[@davidsavident7518]

As 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

[@williammials6080]

I feel you @73

[@eugeniomingione925]

I 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.

[@boozie5886]

God is Forever; however!

[@stevetutty2818]

@@boozie5886 what fantasy world you live in!

[@patrickryan1515]

My thoughts which at the moment I wasn't quite able to put into words, but you did -- admirably so.

[@GeorgeStar]

@@boozie5886 In your delusional mind.

[@CJBlanda]

all lived at one time, all had memories, all tasted the wine, all had feelings, all lived a dream.

[@bennomedina-quinsella4763]

C.J. Blanda...and all survived and succeeded in life despite all the obstacles against them...

[@ceciliacalderon4028]

Maravillosa muy hermosa ,es la mejor version ,es muy relajante escucharla

[@juancarlos9592]

Perfectly said CJ

[@juveline8162]

Whats the song name

[@1252jose]

Very nice love yours words

[@justpassingby4796]

To all the gays, I am valid, you are valid, we are valid. We deserve to love and be loved.

[@treadlightlyorelse849]

My 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.

[@charlesmanson2622]

its only been a few years since don't ask don't tell which is extremely offensive

[@richardhastings6082]

For decades? Try millenia!

[@juancarlos9592]

Yes......very sad

[@machoman6969]

I can't think of a worse fate than forced serving in the military for a country that refuses to give one basic rights.

[@pandauk2538]

My 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.

[@jamesrobiscoe1174]

Wow, Panda! Bouquets to you and Grandmother! It's a natural fact: We can't love anyone if we don't love ourselves. And when we love ourselves, we're free to love those who come into our lives, no matter the gender or circumstances. "Love" isn't a thing; it's a synergy.

[@ak5659]

I can't explain it but my Greatest Generation grandparents were way more open-minded and pragmatic than my Silent Generation parents.

[@bronzemen34]

Im 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 :)

[@montgomb3]

This is so beautiful. I just wish I could be open and not be ashamed of who I really am.

[@famousgraves6817]

I hope you can too one day.

[@juancarlos9592]

Hello........you can.....its a process

[@solinpookie69]

...you can do it, Sweetheart!!...no, it probably won't be that easy, but always know that you have an LGBTQ Community that is more than ready to love and support you!!...best wishes, Sweetie!!....

[@juancarlos9592]

If you need someone to talk to here I am. [e-mail]

[@bayou_redneck]

it took me a long time … but I did it … my only regret is that I waited far too long … I’m free and happy today

[@stevostevo202]

Thank 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.

[@VANE-kr3bz]

👍👍👍👍👍👍

[@princepeterwolf]

You can tell how much they loved each other in every single one if those pictures

[@williammials6080]

Yes! To bad they had to hide their love!

[@vivianothunyani3193]

Many 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.

[@DD-ih7wn]

I'm curious to know to which Southern African countries you refer to in your post?

[@user-qx3vj5io7l]

what OP means is that some countries do not frown upon male friends being touchy (unlike the west). these countries are still homophobic though. But gays can happily cuddle openly without being suspected of being homosexual (while men and women can't) because people assume they're friends. this is true in South Asian countries too.

[@johig4378]

So please tell me what you think of the online article titled “SA's homophobia report card: Great in theory, horrible in practice” 20 March 2019 By Tanya Farber

[@ismailmeziani9965]

Despite 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!

[@JustAnotherGoddess52]

Why no mention of this BEAUTIFUL music? Who is singing? That made the slide show SO much better!

[@robertpace901]

I think it's Bette Midler in the first song and one of the Gay Men's Choruses doing The Man I Love

[@waynejones750]

Bette Middler.

[@LisaKuhle]

This is Leann rhimes singing Bette Miller’s song.

[@douglasoctet5366]

the chorus is the singing the chorale 'lo how a rose ere blooming'.

[@lizlem4739]

Very 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.

[@everydaykiva6377]

Those 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.

[@sergiovo5081]

It's important to love, everything else is nonsense.

[@PKStefanini]

This 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.

[@gintechusa]

It 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) ❤️

[@MaiNguyen-ck4br]

Home was really common between men in the past in Japan gay sex even is a traditional of samurai

[@midnightmilkman1]

Simply Beautiful either way, just showing men being kind and loving towards eachother is good enough for me

[@mscott3918]

The old concept of romantic friendship seems to have been taken over by the idea that if two people of either sex show tenderness towards each other, then they must be lovers. I think we lose something special then.

[@harperwelch5147]

Absolutely. Well said. Sometimes there are films or photos that require lots of words to express meaning. But not always.

[@harperwelch5147]

We'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.

[@MsSoundguy]

This 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."

[@merrilldellas550]

Beautiful and moving photos. A piece of history we rarely hear about or see. Thanks for sharing, truly moving!

[@seanmeisner3190]

While 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...

[@johannarocho3040]

So true Mr. Soul

[@heru-deshet359]

Gay activists always convolute these photos.

[@k.oRocky]

Mr. Soul '69 a lot of these men have gay fashion sense as well but I guess

[@k.oRocky]

Gina G 💤 😴

[@rustyalcorta3643]

Only in America....

[@jackf1841]

It 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.

[@renastone1270]

I'm just sorry I didn't find this video sooner. This is the most beautiful thing I've seen in a long time.

[@Cebu4216]

This is a beautiful, beautiful collection. Thank you for putting these vintage pictures together.

[@bennomedina-quinsella4763]

Oscar...it left me speechless...I will re-visit this video often...it is heart-wrenching and up-lifting at the same time...

[@jayyoung4534]

May I express my deep appreciation for what I just saw. How wonderful, in the fullest sense of the word.

[@1aikane]

Awesome! 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.

[@onyx6411]

im gay and im proud of myself

[@luisdvaldez2979]

Some 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.

[@uggelebuschele4570]

Luis D Valdez That’s what I was thinking.

[@VagoniusThicket]

In Eastern Europe it is common practice for men to hug and even kiss. Nothing to do with gay ! 💩🤦🏻‍♂️

[@juneltadeo6790]

I 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 ❤️

[@bennomedina-quinsella4763]

jhune...so true...only a dead person wouldn't feel their emotions...

[@juancarlos9592]

Perfectly said

[@russellbogrett605]

Just proves no one will ever hold us back! Love is love!

[@famousgraves6817]

Damn right

[@izokay2beewite671]

I find this sad and beautiful. Love always finds a way.

[@jasonrichards2844]

Back 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.

[@shrekyou4040]

Bullshit they were bitten to death.

[@VagoniusThicket]

Shrek You ??? What ? 🤪

[@NWG1961]

What are you really saying? Whatever it is I don't think you are really correct.

[@basicbodybuilding]

Find that hard to believe, husbands weren't even affectionate towards their wives yet dudes were holding hands with their male buddies and sitting on their laps back then?

[@KittyKat-vb1nd]

People now are so bloody uptight and all about their feelings. I imagine many of these men would detest the current social climate.

[@jamesfitzhugh9856]

There 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.

[@lucasmetzler]

Exactly! Some had "a friend"... Or, at most, a "special friend".

[@rustyalcorta3643]

We used to say Best Friends in school in the 60s

[@jal5240]

The 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 !

[@thomasredman3777]

The 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.

[@echo415]

Gay Men's Chorus of Los Angeles featuring LeeAnne Rimes. kzbin.info/www/bejne/hYKslIaZfM1ggrc

[@moushka2692]

What 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.

[@Alex-zc8ds]

love sees no gender no age and no race ♥️♥️♥️

[@jamesmcinnis208]

I 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.

I was thinking the same. Some of these photos seem to prove that.

[@ras613pa]

This issue always seems to be brought up - Yeh, I get it - But, do we ask ourselves whether older photos of affection between men and women might be "just friendship"?

[@mannfan12]

I think it is reasonable to think that some of these are of two lovers and some are of just platonic friends. However, without the back story it is all speculation. But one thing is certain - a picture of two men in a loving embrace or physically touching in a loving way is a beautiful picture.

[@sharondiane227]

I was thinking the same thing.. esp where some of the men were positioned close, but not necessarily in an intimate position..if that makes sense.. still kinda interesting..

[@luigiortado3690]

TRUE I THINK AS FOR THE AEREA IT WAS MORE LIKE GREAT MATES FROM THE WAR

[@sronthejourney5225]

Can 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

[@rustyalcorta3643]

No it didn't take courage that's the way it was even before the Stonewall Riots my boyfriend and I were godbrothers (his parents were my godparents) and we were very affectionate and kissed cheeks all the time and sometimes on the lips....it was after the Stonewall Riots that my classmates and others began to ask if we were homosexual or gay....our straight friends defended us.....

[@elizabethdubon1946]

UN SER HUMANO NO SE MIDE POR SU PREFERENCIA SEXUAL SINO POR SU CALIDAD HUMANA

[@yviwinchester814]

Those days just as now'a days, gay guys are mostly the hottest and most handsome guys! Ain't they?

[@benab5912]

Right 💁🏾‍♀️

[@jmnny85]

This 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 👍🙂

[@rondouglas2625]

Gay 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...

[@Rage_Harder_Then_Relax]

^ Hey idiot...He was talking about the GAY MUSLIMS...Which part of that sentence did you not get? I suggest the whole thing!

[@vladimiersy9760]

This really makes me feel happy for who i am..this really touches my soul!💋💗💞

[@juancarlos9592]

We are so bless to be living today

[@juancarlos9592]

Me too

[@j.louisv.123]

Many 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.

[@wallybeep]

Joe Ramos You are delusional.

[@williamcruz3721]

You so ignorant

[@sparx180]

Joe Vasquez Most of these photos are not of gay men!

[@travelingpair1998]

Many look as you mention

[@moonflick]

I'm a gay man and I hope most of these are actually other gay men, but I have to agree; I think many of these are pictures of brothers or others simply showing fraternal affection in a simpler time.

[@bennomedina-quinsella4763]

Tears 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

[@richardbenitez7803]

I’ve seen most of these pics here and there over past 20 years. Good to see.

[@Miss_Wonderful1]

Wonderful 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.

[@Lengsel7]

Exactly. It's quite presumptuous to well, presume these are all gay. People were just more affectionate back then....or, just joking around.

[@Lengsel7]

B.A.R. ...Brad's Always Right.

[@johniovine1512]

how doo u know theyt were not frowned upon then worse than now since i heard they never could be open about it at all it meant losing popularity among the straights completely and plenty of frowning im sure

[@Miss_Wonderful1]

John Iovine I assume you are referring to my comment and, if not, I apologize. I mentioned display of affection (like draping an arm around or leaning one's head on a friend shoulder, or two gents walking arm in arm while discussing business), not being open about a love story. You're right; I guess being open about a love story would have been even unthinkable back in the day.

[@johniovine1512]

yes of course america has a lot of macho men who woouoldnt dare kiss that would mean something is wrong with them,. lol i understand what ur saying i have relatives in italy men not only kiss on the cheelk they kiss another man on both cheeks cause they say we hgve two siodes tp pir faces ;p; sprru fpr tje nad tu[omg o, mpt tje nest at ot fpr sure

[@sronthejourney5225]

FOR 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;;;;;;;;;;

[@carolynhaney3888]

Why do you think they were shunned. Have you ever read KJV? We can't change what was written by the apostles and great men of God. I never mistreat anyone who believes differently than me.

[@Automedon2]

Those 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.

[@jcjackson4446]

These were no doubt hidden photos. Taken developed and hidden away. Discovered by accident or only after death. But these are definitely photos of gay men.

[@LovelyLemonLife]

Jc Jackson ...nope. One of them is from a civil war book and is of 5 brothers...

[@valerycole16]

I agree

[@jabjab4434]

It doesn't matter and needs no explanation of gayness or otherwise. The love and friendships shown in these photos is all that matters .

[@michaelbracey5750]

This 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.

[@famousgraves6817]

I believe the pics are gay and straight etc

[@rubberducky2926]

You are right.. They are brothers, relatives and friends and not gay!

[@mannfan12]

@@rubberducky2926 Go back and look at the video again. There are some who are mouth-on-mouth kissing. Brothers, relatives, friends? Not likely. I believe these pics are of both gay and straight men.

[@rubberducky2926]

@@beavis4882 that's what happens when you crave & practise certain sexual practice to often! You get greedy and your mind is in the gutter just like yours!

[@beavis4882]

@@rubberducky2926 How is my mind in the gutter? I'm making fun of you idiots for trying to say that intense contact is just "brotherly" fun. you're the weirdo!

[@bennomedina-quinsella4763]

These 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 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.

[@hsltr1]

I 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

[@SWLinPHX]

I 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.

[@candicechristian7344]

SWLinPHX ... I agree exactly

[@neilweston9268]

These pictures must have been so dangerous...hidden away... like treasures

[@popazz1]

SWLinPHX ... Spot on, well said.

[@erysnorman27phils91]

But there’s more thrill and love in their times were pure. I also love old photos like these.

[@2003garyb]

I agree completely, hauntingly beautiful, sometimes tragic, but lovingly saved.

[@strafrag1]

Yes, 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.

[@famousgraves6817]

strafrag1 great response. Thank you

[@TheVeek192]

"but most were." You're saying "most" is based on what? Did you know "most" of them?

[@jerryvandeford7321]

Beautiful, even if all men photo graphed were not gay, it o s Great to see men show love for one another as straight/platonic or romantic. I cried the first time I saw two men dancing together as one , totally in love with each other and in sync with each other. From someone whose family has disowned him for being true to who he is by the Grace of God after many years of living a lie a

[@ScorpDaddy]

strafrag1 “our people?”

[@chrisedmunds9272]

As indicated below, likely not all are gay men, but the same writer wrote that such expression was often found in old photographs. That speaks volumes. There was far less concern about being socially or politically "correct". Love was a heartfelt expression. What does it matter if some are gay, in a relationship with each other or simply expressing platonic feelings? Love is love. Thank you for this wonderful montage. Live love......it is a blessing in any guise.

[@bennomedina-quinsella4763]

Whenever 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.

[@hebajamal3073]

Beautiful pictures. I, too, thought with certain pictures they may have been best friends instead of lovers; but hands on legs, and 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.

[@mariamieves2570]

Not All gay, some just good friends horsing Around.

[@kevinlewis3898]

Mostly Gay

[@jemimahkendall6579]

All gay

[@Seekyourtruth777]

Gay gay gay 👏👏👏

[@lordpentagram3902]

I dunno lot of his nuts on his nuts..4:22

[@อัณณพศรีกลชาญ]

What a load of💩

[@SWLinPHX]

Hate 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.

[@blairhawkins7490]

And the narrator said most of the pictures were kept in secret until after the subjects had died. Just like today in most of the world, gays must be discreet. After most wars, after the alpha males are killed, there's a cycle of male camaraderie...the beta males. Once you face down death in battle, you have more courage in your personal life to show affection. Sometimes the platonic affection is misinterpreted as homosexuality, which can get you killed, which is why straight men are careful not to appear gay, except in times of war.

[@SWLinPHX]

Blair Hawkins: Yes, it’s led us to an overly “homo conscious” environment. You’d be surprised when you’re alone with a straight guy and he drinks he starts telling you all sorts of stuff he’s done or wants to try. I’ve had guys that were straight hit on me when they were drinking and we were alone.

[@CSRookie]

you don't sound ignorant at all SW, it's the truth let's face it. Thanks for messaging

[@ivorybilled8983]

I think its obvious that some of these guys were high class and wealthy, because back in the day, only the rich had access to photography. Rich homosexuals were much more able to get away with having a boyfriend or lover, because their money protected them. History is full of well-connected, famous, and wealthy writers, actors, bankers and heirs of tycoons who were gay.

[@lhdollbaby]

SWLinPHX uu mmmmmm they weren't straight

[@GothosRedux]

The sailors at the three minute mark are not lovers from a bygone era. It’s a still from 1983’s “Sailor in the Wild.” The guy on the left is Brian Thompson, and the one on the right is Cory Adams. This is an adult film, not a vintage photograph.

[@krisdoan2256]

I 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!!!

[@candycandy900]

Hermosas fotos, cuántas historias habrás detrás de ellas y cuánto amor reflejan.

[@nickdavidelijah]

completely 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

[@famousgraves6817]

nickdavidelijah You are absolutely correct. I love the way your mind works. Xo

[@scarpien]

Of course 'they' will never win. How can they when it is 'they' who give birth to gays.

[@LovettbalngoodsLLC]

nickdavidelijah 😔

[@Paulie-276]

@Ile Adura You only get one life best make the most of it x ps why you watching gay movies ?

[@Paulie-276]

@Ile Adura Maybe you should stay away from gay vids then an keep your antiquated opinions to yourself . you obviously have an unhealthy interest in homosexual activities , i suggest you seek help .

[@chadpayne4565]

A great celebration of love between men whether they are straight or gay. Incredibly moving. Thanks so much

[@nealtreadwell5830]

Great 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.

[@poweringon864]

I am a hetero woman, but I feel so sad these men couldn't see the acceptance that they now have. They rejoiced in their relationships despite the hatred...if only they could have bloomed in the light

[@gowanhewlett745]

SUPERB. Eloquent. Courageous. Noble. Heartwarming. Thankyou.

[@famousgraves6817]

Thank you! xo

[@tashasmith6179]

I 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.

[@rogerpropes7129]

Exactly, and in the 19th century people were illiterate and never heard the words 'homosexual' or 'gay' and didn't know it existed. Also they did it with farm animals and thought nothing about it.

[@lesliegalert3823]

OR IS IT YOU JUST DONT ACCEPT GAY MEN EXIST.... brothers , sat on each others lap.!! ? get real girl. !!!

[@PeterShieldsukcatstripey]

yes not all of them. men were good mates and showed affection.

[@ethan.000]

Leslie Galert In the time these pictures were taken, it was quite normal for family members to sit on each other's lap because the camera could not get a wide shot, and for it to be sharp they had to be close to the people.

[@kunoichihawaii146]

3:00 Holy Sailor!!!😍

[@cherylholmes8677]

Who's to say, some of these pictures might be of brothers or family...

[@tabansiobialo8881]

Cheryl Holmes It doesn’t matter to those who want to further the gay agenda, any image can be misrepresented to they’re advantage.

[@Maliceah]

Each one had a noticeable affectionate interplay. Hand on thigh, hand on waist, etc. Brothers don't hold each other like that.

[@ethelnewberry151]

Cheryl Holmes: Unless of course they have been engaged in incest...That happens too, more than you may know, every single day and night.

[@mitzispicergilliam5927]

does it matter

[@darbyzworld]

@@ethelnewberry151 You need a serious education missy. Poor, sad, bitter, misguided moron. . . .

[@janw.6762]

Friendship affection was more physically expressive in past generations than it is now, and many are soldiers and anyone who knows what they go through in combat knows the deep, lifelong bond that they develop and share. As for the kissing gents, there's no denying them.

[@MrCrowebobby]

The two sailors remind of walking across 46th Street in Manhattan one evening back in the mid-1950s around 7:30 and looking up at the 4th floor of a brownstone and seeing a sailor and a man in a suit standing in front of the window of a furnished room kissing each other. I was about 19 and knew I was gay but had had no real sex as of yet. It was a bit of a shock, but part of my grown-up New York experience.

[@forrestwolfe1448]

As others have said, I am not convinced that all of these pics are of gay men, but certainly many are. For me, what is most interesting is how young they are. Once again, senior gay men are not represented.....it's as if we do not exist...so sad.

[@JulieAnn02261990]

I have no doubt that senior men in those days probably didn't take pictures. They were probably all married with kids. Just like today, adults didn't do the same things that younger kids do.

[@eugeniasyro7315]

Agreed. Where are the images of older gay men? They hold the most interest for me.

[@sbgirl4371]

"gay men were the most oppressed group in history" Really? As a disabled person I respectfully disagree.

[@gummygurl4249]

Lol so true

[@siyaciaraamandaperez]

SektundSchnee I’m Mexican 🇲🇽 we don’t allow that sorry but today they wanna be gays 11-12-19

[@normadesmond6017]

People can sadly enough be oppressed for all kind of reasons. Beeing gay or disabled or just two of them.

[@Hafstralos]

I thought that was a stupid statement also.

[@lapulardareal]

El grupo más oprimido han sido las mujeres

[@kimmyhawk5466]

As I've never been gay myself, and as far as I know at 49 yrs. old No one has been gay in my family.. Doesn't matter to me.. Love is love! Do what you feel in your heart..

[@joeysanderford9731]

Kimmy Hawk your heat is “wicked above all else”. Never follow your heart. Follow Christ

[@joeysanderford9731]

farmertoad75 alister was a child of Satan

[@johngolden891]

Your 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?

[@michaelgaynor6866]

The song brought tears to my eyes here in Philadelphia, Pa. No longer do pictures have to be discovered after someone dies!

[@BpGregor]

Watching these photographs, I noticed that many appeared to be professional, studio shots. If that is true, the photographer is to be thanked and congratulated, because if any refused in those days on the grounds of religious beliefs, no court in the world would have listened to those men.

[@Desertb420]

I like to think there all gay,but some look just friendly poses,playing around,or family.There still classy lookin men.

[@ajidarmaaryadanu4945]

Desert Bloomz I agree with you, Sis. Not all the photos is gay. Kinda like any friends, take in the picture with friendly physically contact. It was natural. Yes some look alike gay things, but not all of the pictures.

[@jmitterii2]

I was picking which ones weren't gay.... sitting on laps and kissing and in interesting positions: GAY! The others holding hands are just arms around each other... could be brothers or really good friends. Walking Arm in arm among older people is still normal in many places in Europe. I'm not sure if it is today still or if it hints at a relationship or not. In the US it's absolutely considered gay since at least the 50's. Arm over the shoulders though isn't. Funny little customs we come up with.

[@DennisMorrison1955]

I think you misrepresent the meaning of many of these old images.

[@googlemax2858]

For real

[@howardkerr8174]

As a former serviceman I find the pictures of supposedly gay soldiers and sailors to be the most interesting. I wonder how the pictures were able to be taken, who took pictures of couples kissing, and for that matter, I can't imagine having the nerve to get what look like professionally taken photos, taken and developed. I mean, how did folks find "gay friendly" photographers? Having said that, I agree with many folks here, most of these photos ARE NOT GAY, but photos of friends who were having a good time.

[@stephenvinson6474]

WE 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.

[@garymitchell8084]

BRAVO! Thank you for contribution.

[@TheLeoLitCentral]

Look 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...

[@josephholdman1037]

I agree with this one.

[@juancarlos9592]

Hi...... I agree

[@juancarlos9592]

Hi Leo. Totally agree with you

[@chiaradalessandro1281]

Many of them were probably just friends or brothers or something but.....the cuteness is overwhelming

[@jonathanjohnson3947]

This is amazing! It makes me sad and happy at the same time! But one thing is.....that’s when MEN were MEN!!!!

[@ramirlopez1396]

Being bisexual is a noble feeling that not any normal human can truly feel. It's complexity is enormous--the fear, the thrill, the excitement, the pain, the longingness, sadness, the insult, bigotry, bickering, bullying are always there. Even with these descriptions enumerated was all pushed over by the haunting and longing of love of the same sex that is full of pain and clandestine activities. Your description of "being discovered after their death" was a treasure not even someone discover it after the picture was found out. Thank you for uploading.

[@josephholdman1037]

If they are born both sexes they are gifted and loved anyway

[@semaJ455]

If photos like this were taken today, it seems likely that they would be between gay men, but in the past relations between men differed from one era to another. There is too little evidence to say how widespread homosexual behaviour was in the past. I look at these photos and delight in the level and openness of the physical affection. How much of it was sexual as well? I have no idea.

[@Calavan1969]

Perhaps the photos were provided by family members or others who had some knowledge of the background of the men photographed. I happen to think that if one simply wanted to provide photos of men appearing to be gay, you could find thousands. I had the same doubts as others about all of these photos. However, someone has made some sincere effort to form a collection of these photos and I have to believe there is some background to them from which such a conclusion can be drawn.

[@JEFFIE-jp6kj]

I'm sure that homosexuality was the same percentage of the population as today

[@semaJ455]

That might seem a straightforward and simple statement to make but when I've researched it the issue is complicated, in ancient times who collected good quality evidence, no-one. I'm sure same sex behaviour occurred in all societies at all times, after all it occurs in apes and many other animal species. However, some societies were tolerant of same sex behaviour (some, but not all, N American Indians), some encouraged it within certain societal parameters (ancient Greeks), others punished it. The chances are that same sex behaviour was more widespread in the more tolerant societies. The Romans said the ancient Irish were at it all the time, but was this an observation or a slander used for propaganda purposes in a homophobic society? However, same sex behaviour isn't the same as identifying as homosexual. That identity seems to have slowly developed in Western European societies over the last 250 years, the term homosexual is about 100 years old. When I worked in healthcare we stopped talking about gay men and used the term MSM, men who have sex with men, because some of those men would identify as gay, others as bi, and others would see themselves as straight. However, the point I was making that the ways men related to each other has changed over time, and that includes the degree of physical affection, so we might find photos of guys being very physical with each other, were they having sex, did they identify as guy, were they just friends? Most of the time we will never have the evidence to know.

[@bio-plasmictoad5311]

Like someone else has said it will of always pritty much been the same just more hidden.

[@DJVirgoNeun1]

Not gonna lie. It's vids like this and pics like these men that remind me never to run away from who I am. Better off a happy, proud old queen than a lonely bitter fool

[@famousgraves6817]

Good for you!

[@DJVirgoNeun1]

@@famousgraves6817 Thanks!

[@rustyalcorta3643]

You got that right sister...

[@honeybee6117]

Sadly a lot of gay men married women because they couldn't openly be with the people they truly loved. I'm a woman in my 60's and my friend who was gay pretended to date me for fear of what people would say. Thankfully things have changed and people can be the person they truly are. Great photos and music. Thank you

[@MrNametha]

What soundtrack did you use? its really beautiful...

[@stanbrown1151]

These are not all gay couples. If you look at many ww2 soldiers pics with their friends the sat close or had heads touching. Some are guys being silly and others are of gay men.

[@jodejack]

Stan Brown agreed. Some are of gay men, but men were more intimate in the past and it didn't mean they were gay.

[@jmalate7723]

They could easily be intimate partners without being "gay identified."

[@faustofernandez2971]

Aw c'mon! It's obvious that they are gay lovers, many absolutely obvious. Remember, these pics came from the owners, who were gay

[@stanbrown1151]

That's a totally ignorant comment as you don't know the owners. My uncles who were in WW2 made similar pictures and were not gay. It was the way they did pictures back then.

[@faustofernandez2971]

This video was made with pictures donated by the owners. Ok, I have no absolute proof but the evidence points to their being gay, since surely they knew what the video was going to be about. BTW, I was a child in the 40's and I can tell you that straight men would not be kissing or sitting on each other's laps. Do I wonder about your uncles

[@djhvallejo]

I would really would love to know the back story on some of these couples in these pictures. What their lives were like, were they happy, did they stay together or end up drifting apart do to family pressures and society norms at the time. My husband and I have together for 30 years this May and married for 10 this October. I can't think of ever being apart from him for more than a day without feeling that a piece of me was missing.

[@jerrylee8261]

What a beautiful sentiment. Tks for posting. My one and only love passed and a part of me passed, too. I will never get over it and think about and talk to my love everyday.

[@mplsmndude3255]

Beautiful and moving....... Whether the pictures are gay couples (most), or simply affection between men (a few possibly). Wonderful either way! 💖

[@liberte5847]

Great and beautiful! Merci beaucoup from Paris France

[@cleocross6183]

Lindas fotografias, onde o amor é expressado de forma natural. Que voz linda tem essa cantora. Paz no mundo...