Your story is one of familiar elements in a specific context which adds dimensions to the growing panorama of the subject. Years of repression and silence allowed a false narrative to hover over American culture, and the window you opened allows us to see a little more clearly. Thank you for taking the time and effort.
I am 86 years old born in 1938 and I you are telling my story it's amazing I feel like I lived your life except you lived out in the west and I lived in Milford New York State it's amazing I wish I could talk to you.. listening to more of your story I guess it wasn't that much like yours because I knew what I was from a young age and fooled around with a lot of boys in high school I wasn't particularly religious I always knew I was gay and like boys. I hope I get to see the second episode that may be closer to your experience to mine. I hope I'll be able to find it. Thank you
Beautiful and powerful film. All the photos ect. I’m so glad you can share your personal stories from this time. It means so much to hear you talk about it and show us all your old photos ❤❤❤ . I’m sure i remember liking other boys at age 4 or 5. It took me until 2017 to come out to myself and my family age 42. My family could not have cared less, i was lucky. Thanks .Marc , Edinburgh
I just love hearing about older gay men and their lives, we young gays need to hear stories like these, thanks so much for sharing! You were such a cutie 🥰
Thank you for sharing your story. It's always great to hear from people who came before us. I'm about 20 years younger so it's interesting to hear about the things that were going on a generation before me. For anyone interested in American gay life in the 1930s and 40s I would also recommend reading Donald Vining's diaries. He lived in New York City and kept a diary of his life there, including where gay men used to meet, hangout, etc. Fascinating to hear first person stories of that era to hear how it really was.
There is nothing wrong with any child being interested in a play stove. It is not necessarily just a toy for girls. There are many male chefs on shows on the Food Network. Both my Dad and maternal grandfather enjoyed cooking for their family.
Born in bible-belt, small town PA in '51, your thoughtful reminisce is appreciated. Sure wish someone had told me I wasn't "the only one" though. 🤣 Thanks Hugh.
Another great story, Thanks... Same story about pellet gun shooting my first and only bird, never picked up a gun again and at that moment I realised I was different from my older brothers. Fortunately even as a small gay boy I was VERY independent and managed without anyone except my mom ,she taught me how to be generous with what little material goods I own and respectful and also to not take any s*it from anyone and as self employed from 18 yrs old I didn't. Hi from Nova Scotia, Canada
I've never told this little anecdote to anyone. (I'm a senior, and I don't mean high school.) I was maybe 8 or 9, playing with other boys, and we came across a large caterpillar, wending its way around leaves on the soil. Someone yelled, "Let's squish it!" The others got their shoes ready; I had to think fast. I said something like, "No, I want to take it home and boil it, see what happens." (Or an equally gruesome idea.) They let me put it in my pocket and run off with it. I liberated it in a safe place far from them. Over 60 years ago, but I remember thinking, "I am not like them; I am different." I didn't know exactly what that difference was; I would find that out later. But it was a stark realization.
I very much enjoyed your story and the insight into your life! Thank you for all your work! I would have loved MORE about how you felt at different times, and not just the travel stuff or day to day. The info on when you were 3 and where the boy taught you to masterbate is great... but more of a feeling different or longing or attraction that you did not understand???? I so commend you on your project here. I would love to understand what the thoughts that went through a boy's head who discoveres he is not like other boys who like women. Fantasies or difficult conversations with friends or father. Great video - thank you !!!
as a gay person born in the 2000s, i very greatly appreciate this video. It helps show the world that gay people have always existed. You’re an inspiration 🫶🏻
It's so important that you've documented these stories - young people now don't know any of the past. If we don't tell out stories our past disappears.
yes, that's true. on the other hand i'm a talkative old man and if no one stops me, i just go on and on...anyway i'm glad you liked the stories. i'm posting another one today about an event in 1966
Your experiences at school sound familiar to me and i was born in 1975, in Scotland, i was called poof (Uk slang /or slur for a gay man) a few times by two older boys in primary 7 age 11 or 12 because i was no good at football or sports or throwing a ball like you said . By the time i went to high school age 13 it was never an issue again. I avoided sports and either the kids turned a blind eye or never noticed me i’m not sure. Looking back at my time at high school in Scotland between 1987-1992 in Scotland. i now think back to other guys i think were definitely like myself. You need to read all about Margaret Thatchers government introducing the section 28 clause in the UK in 1988, this has had a huge impact on my generation of gay men here in Scotland and all of the UK. It was only repealed in Scotland in 2003 when i was 28 years old . Disgusting. It was repealed in the rest of the UK in 2000 , 3 years earlier. Your videos here on youtube need persevering and taught at schools around the world. Young people need to be taught about how they are never alone in there experiences growing up.
I can't catch a ball either, I was always put in the outfield, I wore and still wear glasses and really couldn't see well enough to play anything with a ball involved, LOL. I like the arts as well, and sing only older songs from the 30s - 60s. I watch only older movies from B/W and movies from the 30s - the 60s and maybe some very early 70s movies.
Thank you for sharing. I was born Catholic, but I left Catholicism at the age of 10 to never returned. Today I am married to a men, by the United Church of Canada. I also lived in Utah for 8 years. I was married to a woman, and served a 2 years full time mission by the Mormons. My 3 daughters left the mormon church, and only one belongs to a fundamentalist church, the others two don't have nothing to do with religion. I believe in God, but I am not particularly interested in religion at all. I am 70 years old, happy, and in peace with my life.
That Carnegie library looks like our Carnegie library all the way over here in central NH! What a fun little connection they provide between across the entire country from each other!
@ -Very true! The Catholic Church doesn’t even fight these claims. My best friend’s wife’s hairstylist, knew someone who made up a claim, and got $80,000 from the diocese in Boston
22:25 Had to chuckle over the very apt heading "most costly priests." They cost a lot more than money. I have to disagree with the conclusion that there were two victims, Charvet and Schmidt. No, there was only one victim.
the oil companies are bad, but the worst ecological disaster in the west was the introduction of sheep. they graze down to the stubble, destroying the grasses. where grass once grew, only sagebrush will grow now
Wow nice to meet you. I was litle off about aresting photographers duren mags were allowed. But i do relate to your story here. I was born in 62. I knew i was atracted to men in 1966. I was called name. I went back hoden it. At 5. Though guys then were so eazy to get round. So many people compared now.
WHAT CORUPT FAMILYS THAT CAME FROM BIBLE SHOW TO HUNT. . THAT BIRD YOU FELT FOR IS TO TELL YOU. IT WAS WRONG. I TWO DID NOT KNOW BETTER THAT EVERY THING IS GOD.
I am 74 I remember growing up gay in the 1950s I was lucky my Father's mother accepted it and encouraged my parents to.
Thank-you very much for your channel. These stories and histories need to be told.
Your story is one of familiar elements in a specific context which adds dimensions to the growing panorama of the subject. Years of repression and silence allowed a false narrative to hover over American culture, and the window you opened allows us to see a little more clearly. Thank you for taking the time and effort.
This was fascinating. Thanks so much for sharing.
I am 86 years old born in 1938 and I you are telling my story it's amazing I feel like I lived your life except you lived out in the west and I lived in Milford New York State it's amazing I wish I could talk to you.. listening to more of your story I guess it wasn't that much like yours because I knew what I was from a young age and fooled around with a lot of boys in high school I wasn't particularly religious I always knew I was gay and like boys. I hope I get to see the second episode that may be closer to your experience to mine. I hope I'll be able to find it. Thank you
thanks for the comment, roderick! adolescence is a confusing time for everybody, but especially for us
This was really wonderful, you paint such a perfect picture of life in this period. Thank you!!
Beautiful and powerful film. All the photos ect. I’m so glad you can share your personal stories from this time. It means so much to hear you talk about it and show us all your old photos ❤❤❤ . I’m sure i remember liking other boys at age 4 or 5. It took me until 2017 to come out to myself and my family age 42. My family could not have cared less, i was lucky. Thanks .Marc , Edinburgh
I just love hearing about older gay men and their lives, we young gays need to hear stories like these, thanks so much for sharing! You were such a cutie 🥰
Thank you for sharing your story. It's always great to hear from people who came before us. I'm about 20 years younger so it's interesting to hear about the things that were going on a generation before me. For anyone interested in American gay life in the 1930s and 40s I would also recommend reading Donald Vining's diaries. He lived in New York City and kept a diary of his life there, including where gay men used to meet, hangout, etc. Fascinating to hear first person stories of that era to hear how it really was.
thanks for the tip. donald vining's diaries are not easy to find. amazon lists only vol 2 (of five volumes), and lists it at $100
Love the stories! Thanks!
Thanks for sharing your story.
There is nothing wrong with any child being interested in a play stove. It is not necessarily just a toy for girls. There are many male chefs on shows on the Food Network. Both my Dad and maternal grandfather enjoyed cooking for their family.
i agree!
Thank you for posting this - you paint a great picture of your life during this time.
Glad you enjoyed it
Thank you for an evocative account from your life.
Born in bible-belt, small town PA in '51, your thoughtful reminisce is appreciated. Sure wish someone had told me I wasn't "the only one" though. 🤣 Thanks Hugh.
Another great story, Thanks...
Same story about pellet gun shooting my first and only bird, never picked up a gun again and at that moment I realised I was different from my older brothers. Fortunately even as a small gay boy I was VERY independent and managed without anyone except my mom ,she taught me how to be generous with what little material goods I own and respectful and also to not take any s*it from anyone and as self employed from 18 yrs old I didn't.
Hi from Nova Scotia, Canada
I've never told this little anecdote to anyone. (I'm a senior, and I don't mean high school.) I was maybe 8 or 9, playing with other boys, and we came across a large caterpillar, wending its way around leaves on the soil. Someone yelled, "Let's squish it!" The others got their shoes ready; I had to think fast. I said something like, "No, I want to take it home and boil it, see what happens." (Or an equally gruesome idea.) They let me put it in my pocket and run off with it. I liberated it in a safe place far from them. Over 60 years ago, but I remember thinking, "I am not like them; I am different." I didn't know exactly what that difference was; I would find that out later. But it was a stark realization.
I think we both have a bit of Schindler's dna in us.I'm a senior also, glad I grew up where/when I did. @@akrenwinkle
I very much enjoyed your story and the insight into your life! Thank you for all your work! I would have loved MORE about how you felt at different times, and not just the travel stuff or day to day. The info on when you were 3 and where the boy taught you to masterbate is great... but more of a feeling different or longing or attraction that you did not understand???? I so commend you on your project here. I would love to understand what the thoughts that went through a boy's head who discoveres he is not like other boys who like women. Fantasies or difficult conversations with friends or father. Great video - thank you !!!
thanks, dena!
When the 60’s and 70’s kicked in i hope you enjoyed yourself more. i’ve not watched all your videos yet ❤
Womderful stories; very enlightening!
as a gay person born in the 2000s, i very greatly appreciate this video. It helps show the world that gay people have always existed. You’re an inspiration 🫶🏻
welcome to the glbtq2s+ community!
Great video.
It's so important that you've documented these stories - young people now don't know any of the past. If we don't tell out stories our past disappears.
yes, that's true. on the other hand i'm a talkative old man and if no one stops me, i just go on and on...anyway i'm glad you liked the stories. i'm posting another one today about an event in 1966
Thanks for your channel. I can relate to your story.
Your experiences at school sound familiar to me and i was born in 1975, in Scotland, i was called poof (Uk slang /or slur for a gay man) a few times by two older boys in primary 7 age 11 or 12 because i was no good at football or sports or throwing a ball like you said . By the time i went to high school age 13 it was never an issue again. I avoided sports and either the kids turned a blind eye or never noticed me i’m not sure. Looking back at my time at high school in Scotland between 1987-1992 in Scotland. i now think back to other guys i think were definitely like myself. You need to read all about Margaret Thatchers government introducing the section 28 clause in the UK in 1988, this has had a huge impact on my generation of gay men here in Scotland and all of the UK. It was only repealed in Scotland in 2003 when i was 28 years old . Disgusting. It was repealed in the rest of the UK in 2000 , 3 years earlier. Your videos here on youtube need persevering and taught at schools around the world. Young people need to be taught about how they are never alone in there experiences growing up.
I'm a year older than you and I agree 100%
I can't catch a ball either, I was always put in the outfield, I wore and still wear glasses and really couldn't see well enough to play anything with a ball involved, LOL. I like the arts as well, and sing only older songs from the 30s - 60s. I watch only older movies from B/W and movies from the 30s - the 60s and maybe some very early 70s movies.
i played pigtail, which meant chasing the ball if the outfielders didn't catch it and it rolled down the hill
My heart aches listening to your childhood stories of bullying. Been there. Proud gay man now.
yes, it was very confusing to be a gay kid. i didn't really understand what it was about. kids today are exposed to so much more information!
Thank you for sharing. I was born Catholic, but I left Catholicism at the age of 10 to never returned. Today I am married to a men, by the United Church of Canada. I also lived in Utah for 8 years. I was married to a woman, and served a 2 years full time mission by the Mormons. My 3 daughters left the mormon church, and only one belongs to a fundamentalist church, the others two don't have nothing to do with religion. I believe in God, but I am not particularly interested in religion at all. I am 70 years old, happy, and in peace with my life.
that's quite a journey, chiusacan! i'm glad you found happiness and peace
That little boy with the glasses was cute❤
That Carnegie library looks like our Carnegie library all the way over here in central NH! What a fun little connection they provide between across the entire country from each other!
when i was a little kid i thought 'carnegie' meant library. i didn't know there were other kinds of libraries
Interesting to watch. I am 63 years old, from rural Denmark.
13:11 Tijuana Bibles! Those are a fascinating little corner of history in their own right.
tijuana bibles were fun. we passed them around until they fell to pieces. couldn't let the grown-ups catch us with them, of course
20:00 It’s interesting, that once monetary damages were available, all these lawsuits came about. It was about monetary gain.
exactly. lots of phony victims bankrupting the dioceses
@ -Very true! The Catholic Church doesn’t even fight these claims. My best friend’s wife’s hairstylist, knew someone who made up a claim, and got $80,000 from the diocese in Boston
many of the claims are based on "recovered memories"
Hi, I just subscribed to your channel, I'm going to like it here, wink. I'm a 63 year old gay male and I knew I was gay from very young as well.
hi tony! welcome to the old-school gays channel, we've got lots of clips up and lots more in the pipeline!
22:25 Had to chuckle over the very apt heading "most costly priests." They cost a lot more than money. I have to disagree with the conclusion that there were two victims, Charvet and Schmidt. No, there was only one victim.
I got more from this about the environment of Wyoming and the devastation of the oil companies than about being gay.
the oil companies are bad, but the worst ecological disaster in the west was the introduction of sheep. they graze down to the stubble, destroying the grasses. where grass once grew, only sagebrush will grow now
Wow nice to meet you. I was litle off about aresting photographers duren mags were allowed. But i do relate to your story here. I was born in 62. I knew i was atracted to men in 1966. I was called name. I went back hoden it. At 5. Though guys then were so eazy to get round. So many people compared now.
hi guygrip, nice to meet you too! thanks for viewing my clips
WHAT CORUPT FAMILYS THAT CAME FROM BIBLE SHOW TO HUNT. . THAT BIRD YOU FELT FOR IS TO TELL YOU. IT WAS WRONG. I TWO DID NOT KNOW BETTER THAT EVERY THING IS GOD.
Homophobia only got worse after the 1950’s.
It didn't get worse, it got more visible, which was a reaction to gay people becoming more visible
Absolutely disgusting
What the fuck thus is not what I expected. I really wanted a socal commentary but I just see a weird nostalgic pedophile
I know homophobia is quite disgusting
@ groomer
38 yr.old Gay Male. Listening. Relating. ❤️🧡💛💚💙💜🤎🖤