Thursday, June 27, 2019

Our Gay Heritage

vintage photo: Since the men in this photo are unknown, it's pretty much impossible to tell it they were a gay couple or just "good friends." Most photographs of gay couples were eventually destroyed by horrified family members. But for every photo that is mistakenly identified as gay, thousands more were burned or torn into pieces to keep a family secret.
This is the time of the year when our feeds are flooded with pics of Gay Pride Parades, not only across the country, but around the world. So many happy faces of people of all types are celebrating their unique selves. We are lucky to be able express this joy in spite of the global unrest. We are certainly in better times!

With the 50th Anniversary of Stonewall, we have a landmark moment to reflect on. We think on those heroes and the many that have followed in what can sometimes be called a crusade. Ask many friends and they will comment that I can be a crusader on many things, but I wear my flag on my sleeve in a much quieter and reflective way. I look back on the silent masses who did not feel the need to shatter the earth, but made much smaller murmurs.

And there are pictures of these unnamed couples. Almost all have no names attached and they were fine with that in the confines of their own era. But stumbling on Pinterest of all places, I find a different kind of quiet joy in these intimate moments of celebration. There are many of them out there. Here are only a few to share.



sailor and soldier dancing - 1940s
Adorable Vintage Photographs of Gay Couples


Two young men with rolled-up pants (like real-life Tom Sawyer and Huck Finn), c. mid- to late 19th C.

<320 Sweet, Tiny Vintage Photos Of Gay Couples

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