Gay to Stay

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. Gay love.

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...   

** Check out more photos at Finding Myself and GAYTWOGETHER **

Important Notice: Should any of these photos belong to you and you wish to have them removed- please notify The Righteous Gay immediately!

 

Picture This Again: Update

Image Posted by Israel 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 Gay except the address is http://therighteousgay.tumblr.com/

 Personally, I have found something special in each of these sites. Go ahead and make your day...  

• Love has no Limits
• Love is so cute
• It's Time
• Don't Back Down Project
• Gay Kissed and Love
• Gay Male Love
• Nobody Know the Last of Me (My personal favorite!) 

(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.

Positive Negativity

 We as humans all share one thing in common. We all have the ability to interpret information the way we choose to. Circumstance may lead you to believe that you're incapable of making an assumption without another persons opinion- this however is false. You're highly capable of it. This leads me to todays post- Positive Negativity. The concept is basic- yet difficult to apply. You decide whether it is applicable in your life.

In todays society almost everything is surrounded with some form of negativity. Homosexuality's biggest negative is homophobia. Majority of you have experienced homophobic remarks and perhaps some of you still do today. This may seem absurd but, what if I told you these remarks could lead you into a happier state of mind? By using certain information the way you choose- it may just be possible. "Let my haters be my motivators" or as I like to call it Positive Negativity.

Everyone has an outlet. Some compose music, play a sport, create art and some even eat. No matter what your outlet be, everyone has room for development or "bettering themselves". Bettering oneself is a difficult process- it demands a lot of time, attention and effort. Something that I find helps the process is the negativity that surrounds me. For instance when training- thinking of homophobic remarks allows me to push myself further. The beauty is that it needn't be just homophobic remarks- it may be anything negative. The aim is to achieve positive growth by motivating yourself with negativity .

With the fight for marriage equality and legalizing homosexuality taking part in certain areas of the world- the gay community will come under lots of scrutiny. These efforts will be met with a lot of animosity, hate and anger by the opposition. It may not affect you directly- but it will affect you nonetheless. During this time it is important we let our voices be heard, whether it is comforting a gay friend, partaking in activism or just saying your part. It is important you do not allow the hostility to get to you. Retaliating with anger is never the appropriate way to approach a situation. Be smart. Use their negativity to your advance. Allow them to fuel your progression.

On a personal note- I experienced a lot of homophobic mentality during high school. Due to me being closeted through out high school- friends were comfortable with my straight persona. This comfort led to many people relaying their thoughts about homosexuality, and their disliking of it, to me. Best friends would make distasteful remarks about gay men around me and I could not retaliate or defend them. I know many of you are experiencing the same as I did. As hurtful as it may be- you need to reassure yourself. Allow these moments of aggravation and hurt to build you up! In fact, these moments could be seen as having the upper hand.

Final Thought:

"God hates fags". "Homosexuality is unnatural". "Gays go to hell". Their intention is to break you down- do not allow them the pleasure. Apply Positive Negativity. The concept is basic and advantageous- should you have the ability to apply it to your situation. It may be difficult to apply but no one ever said it would be easy, however, IT WILL BE WORTH IT IN THE END.

I leave you with a quote from a speech by Nelson Mandela, "There is nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won't feel insecure around you."

I would also like to express my sadness upon the hearing of Amendment 1 being approved. The fight is not over yet!!!

Image Source: Google(Should any of these photo's belong to you and you wish to have them removed- notify The Righteous Gay)

Real Love Never Dies

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 are the 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!

(More Than Ever is the first of three videos. Should you wish to watch the rest- visit their site The Devotion Project on Tumblr , for more about The Devotion Project go to The Devition Project @ Indiegogo )

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!

The Public Display of Affection

I've recently been on the look out for gay couples in public. Those couples who aren't afraid to walk side by side. Two guys holding hands- nothing more. But it needn't be anything more- it is so satisfying as is! The public display of affection is a powerful spectacle- capable of turning heads, widening eyes and blowing minds. Well, for me at least. I feel these couples are what need to become a regularity to society. As a young gay man, I find them inspiring and reassuring. I can also tell you there are far too few of them! 

Many express mixed emotions regarding "P.D.A". For instance how much is too much? And does it really have a positive impact- especially in conservative/ traditional countries? I believe the answer lies within yourself. For example- I am comfortable seeing two individuals kiss in public, however I find it distasteful to have your tongue down a partners throat (straight or gay). I therefore would only go as far as to kiss a partner in public. Being considerate of your surroundings is probably best. A gay club is obviously more suitable to be smooching than the church or the grocery store. Many people find it intimidating and overwhelming - it's probably advisable that you take other peoples emotions into consideration.

Regarding whether it has a positive impact- I think I speak on the behalf of all youth when I say "YES!" It's exhilarating to witness. I recall my first sighting of two men kissing-it was so liberating. I know that before I came out- seeing two men share an intimate moment with the world made me less afraid of expressing my emotions. I felt less confined regarding my "new found" sexuality. At those exact moments things are put into perspective. Life all of a sudden seems so much more worth living for!

 
I ask you, what should prevent you from holding your partners hand in public? Your sexual preference should not result in you living a second hand citizenship- one in which your every right is not infringed, but "tweaked" to suit society. There are no boundaries to love. It is simply human to show affection to the people you love. I ask you to lead the youth into a society where two guys holding hands are what the sun is to everyday. Natural...

 IMAGES SOURCE:  "The Gay Truth" 

(If you own any of these pictures and wish to have them removed please inform The Righteous Gay for immediate removal)

This is all I could find on YouTube regarding PDA. Hope you enjoy!

Picture This

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