Alright- I know it has been a while. My computer was in computer hospital and I have been working on a post that is still incomplete. Ultimately I have decided to share a more shorter post that admittedly is not entirely my own... My aim is to expose the audience to what is and has always been here before. Gaylove.
The inspiration behind my post today was found in another blog entitled Finding Myself. I stumbled across this blog upon Googling "Vintage Gay Couple Photos" which I'd advise you to do sometime when you are bored! What surprised me the most was that there were more photos than I had expected of gay couples. I understand many gay men and women have walked this land before I- but I did not expect it to be as documented!
One thing that has stood the test of time is love. Whether it be in a different time, place or manner - we all love. Another quality that sets love above the rest is that it does not discriminate against age, gender, race, religion or appearance. It can be found in the most unexpected places...
Why discuss love on a blog that aims to help people come to terms with their sexuality? It's simple really. Love is something everyone can look forward too. Regardless your sexuality- love is an emotion everyone can experience. What better than to expose my audience to a love similar to theirs? Allow me to take you back in time- where a love like yours too existed... Although it was tougher to live openly in those days, these couples did not deny themselves the opportunity to find REAL love. Here are some photos from back in time:
England: 1875
New York: 1900
Europe: 1906
England: Between 1914 - 1918
Above is a WWI couple.
Unknown: 1925
Hollow Falls, Virginia: Late 1920's
Above is the first gay couple allowed legal rights to adopt children.
Berlin, Germany: 1930
London, England: 1932
Long Island, New York: 1941
America: Mid 1940's
London, England : 1945
Above picture was taken at "VJ" Day- known as the day that Japan surrendered to the Allies at the end of WWII.
New England: 1948
Lesbian Couple!! Unknown: 1950's
Caldwell, Idaho: 1955
Final thought:
Although it may seem like homosexuality is a new concept to modern society, it is not. Homosexuality dates centuries back, further than the first photo in this post! It will take a considerable amount of years before society is more accepting of homosexuality- but this should not stop you from finding true love... I cannot begin to imagine the scrutiny these couples have endured- yet all of that seems meaningless when I look at these photos. Love is an emotion that has stood the test of time- it is stronger than all else. To find a love so genuine, so real is more validating and liberating than having to live a life of lies and deception. Never deny yourself the opportunity to find true love...
Image Posted byIsrael Defense Forces onto Facebook with the caption "It's Pride Month. Did you know that the IDF treats all of its soldiers equally?"
Seeing as it is a new month- I thought it would be the perfect time to do an update on a previous post! To keep "time-based posts" relevant I will use updates to bring them up-to-date. This way- I can ensure a long relationship with current viewers and myself! (Smiles)
Picture This was a post were I referred readers to blogs depicting gay couples. I spoke of how viewing blogs such as them- reassured me about my decision to come out, how they inspired me and how they reassured me of who I am. Now that I am openly gay- I still spend copious amounts of time viewing these sites. Day-dreaming. Imagining...
At first, I found myself envious of the fact that all these people photographed had found love. I soon realized that it was not envy that brought me back- rather the inspiration I found in them. When I stumble across a photo like this:
I begin to wonder what possibilities await... The thought that love like this exists leaves me excited. It leaves me interested in life and all the beauties it has to offer.
Perhaps you won't take as much as I do from these sites, regardless, you should definitely check them out! I have started my own tumblr account where I blog and reblog the photos that I find refreshing! The blog is also called The Righteous Gayexcept the address is http://therighteousgay.tumblr.com/
Personally, I have found something special in each of these sites. Go ahead and make your day...
(These sites may contain nudity- If you click on a link- do so at your
own risk. The Righteous Gay will not be held accountable. I will mention
that the nudity is minimal and done in tasteful manner- if there is any)
You can view the Facebook page depicting the Israeli soldiers here.
One last one for all you viewers..
Maybe two...
SHOULD ANY OF THESE IMAGES BELONG TO YOU- AND YOU WISH TO HAVE THEM REMOVED. PLEASE NOTIFY THE RIGHTEOUS GAY IMMEDIATELY @ gregodemi@gmail.com.
Admittedly, the posts this month have not been as effective/ moving as last month's. So today I have decided I would post something fun to read and, perhaps, more entertaining than before. I have composed a list. This list is entitled "Top Ten Reasons I LOVE Being Gay". It's rather self explanatory- but for those who do not follow- allow me to explain. This list is made up of reasons why I enjoy being homosexual... I cannot explain- rather read it! Your list may differ- but here are my reasons(starting from 10 working up to 1):
10.
Appreciation for both sexes. It would go without saying that I find men attractive- but I can also appreciate attractive woman. Many straight men are less fortunate in the sense that even if they believe another man is good-looking- they wouldn't dare admit it. Being gay allows me to say "You're good-looking" to both guys and girls without having to worry what is thought of me.
This Armani advert is a great example
9.
Ability to mock gays. I always say "the least gay thing I do- is allow my dog to pick out my shirts." This is just one of many jokes I make regarding my sexuality. It's great being able to joke about my sexuality- it often relieves tension in defensive conversations and can lighten a mood very easily. The reason this is only limited to gays is because if anyone else made these remarks- they might seem homophobic or rude. We, on the other hand, are just being comedic!
8.
Societal Pressure Relief. The term I have given to my 8th reason. "Queue the song Little Boxes by Malvina Reynolds." Societal Pressure Relief refers to no longer having to fit a norm. Being gay means- you no longer have the pressure to find a perfect wife (or for some husband) ,start a family, live in a perfect house and keep up with Jones'. Although- you could still do all above- it is no longer EXPECTED of you.
The "perfect" family
7.
Celebrity support. Ever stopped and thought- Charlize Theron supports my decision to marry someone of the same sex? Or perhaps that the president of America does too? It's so refreshing to know that Josh Hutcherson, the cute guy from The Hunger Games, is campaigning for people such as myself. With names such as: Brad Pitt, Angelina Jolie, Drew Barrymore, Colin Farrell, Anne Hathaway and many more supporting gay rights- it's hard to not to boast!
Josh Hutcherson at 2012 GLAAD awards
Drew Barrymore for Marriage Equality
6.
Keeping in shape. It might seem contradictory- but being apart of the gay community does keep me in shape. Many gay men are in good physical shape- this just makes me more conscious of leading a healthier lifestyle than before. Although this topic is debatable- I still exercise on a regular basis- which is only beneficial for myself. Hence why it has made its place on this list.
5.
Positive Negativity.I have already mentioned it in a previous post. My 5th reason is Positive Negativity- letting "your hater be your motivator". It's inevitable that you will encounter some malicious people out their who will condemn you for being who you are- this is when you smile in knowing it will only feed your motivation and progression. I have gotten some nasty comments since coming out- they've just helped me grow into a better person!
4.
Meeting new friends. One of the scariest thoughts I had when coming out- was the thought of loosing all my friends. The reality is you probably might loose some friends- but on your journey you will come to realise that many of your friendships have strengthened. In fact friends whom you never thought would cope with the issue could positively surprise you! You will also meet new people and experience new friendships!
3.
Being part of a cause. I love this reason. Majority of you have experienced a history lesson sometime in your life- going back in time and learning about defining moments- such as movements, riots and protests all done for a greater cause. Being gay automatically makes you part of a cause. We all play a part in society- and we all have the ability to change perspectives or even teach and help others about homosexuality. I think it's rather cool- writing history- as we make progression in the world regarding gay rights.
Image taken: Stonewall Riots
2.
Loving who you want. The second reason I love being gay- is because I get to love who I want...Having the choice to love someone genuinely- with no pretense. Being gay means I get to experience my journey through life with another man, whom I love, beside me. This is probably the top of everyone's list...
1.
Being myself. I know it might sound lame- but it is honestly my top reason. Getting to live a life of being honest with my family, and friends. The reason this is more important to me than love- is because I find you have to love yourself before you can love another. By that I mean accepting yourself for who you are... The best reason to be gay- is getting to live life genuinely!
Final Thought: If you're still closeted and found yourself reading this list- my message to you would be; being gay has its negatives BUT it certainly has its positives too. If being gay was as horrible as many make it out to be- then why do so many still come out and live openly? It's easy to focus on the negatives, rather think of your own list! It needn't be 10 reasons- it could be one strong reason. At the end of the day- you should be conscious of why you came out or plan on doing so. There are so many reasons to love who you are- all you have to do is start looking...
Image Source: Google; Nobody Knows the Last of Me Blog
(Should any of the images belong to you- and you wish to have them removed- please notify The Righteous Gay)
Have a FABULOUS day. (Another great thing about being gay- using words like fabulous!)
I would like to begin this post by thanking everyone who read My Coming Out Story and all the support/views I received in return. I thought today I would share another project I came by- called The Devotion Project .
According to their site "The Devotion Project is a series of short films documenting and celebrating LGBTQ couples and families." I, however, believe they're more than just a celebration of LGBT couples and families- these videos serve as a snippet of what our futures may entail. Seldom arethe youth exposed to successful long term gay relationships, and too often are gay relationships expressed as; unstable, solely based on sex and impossible to maintain. The Devotion Project not only dismisses these theories it also displays three gay couples with motivating stories.
Looking for a form of guidance is instinctive, but sometimes we look in all the wrong places. The Devotion Project is a great model for what long term gay relationships may resemble and is a great form of guidance for all youth. The first video I came across entitled "More Than Ever" reduced me to tears within minutes. These videos are so easy to relate to due to their genuine content. These couples are simply telling their stories -in hope that some gay youth may seek comfort, guidance or understanding in them.
More Than Ever- is a very unique story. If you chose to watch it- you will realise that Bill Campbell, who stars in the video, died a year ago today (May 7th). This coincidence sent my body into shivers! The video is rather long- so I ask that if you should choose to watch it- please watch it entirely through, it is definitely worth it!
Final Thought:
At times it may seem as though you're all alone, and no one is there to guide or comfort you. Whether closeted or openly gay- everyone has experienced that feeling of loneliness. After watching this video I came to realise that there may come a time when I will look back and be thankful I endured the loneliness and heartache. Certain things are worth the wait- through patience and understanding- we learn to love and forgive. So I propose that all youth that are reading this be patient and
strong in hope that someday you will have what Bill and John had- real
love.
The Righteous Gay will not be held accountable should you chose to click on the links provided- do so at own risk. I first watched this video on the blog The Unbearable Truth- Fear Eats the Soul-check it out!
