This is 𝐄𝐝 𝐆𝐚𝐫𝐫𝐞𝐧'𝐬 story of his journey through a homophobic era, from the sting of childhood bullying to the empowering embrace of self-acceptance and pride.
Another fabulous snapshot of another's experience. Enjoyed the longer format. This channel is becoming so important to me. Thank you. And thanks, Ed, for sharing your story. ❤
God, there is so much to say to you. Suffice to say you were and are still a babe with a terrific personality sitting there killing me siftky with your sing. Thanks for posting. As we start wrapping up our lives it continues to be important to know we were not alone and there were abd are kindred spirits out there. God bless you and thanks so much for posting this.
This is such a revelation to me..as an observer. The parental dynamic is so important for anyone growing up.....gay or straight. The time..the era in which we are placed has another component. I'm sure this type of scenario was just as prevalent in the Wild West or the Alaskan tundra. We lack information....we lack genuine information. Human beings,in general, can be cruel...not just kids. These types of stories are so painful and bittersweet...because these spirited men seem to learn from this exposure. And, as I look at photos of Edward in his younger years...and I don't see "sissy or faggot"...and why his parents didn't nurture him more I can't explain. As I can't explain my fearful revelation about my attraction to men...never other boys..but grown ups. Must have been some sort of mentor complex. Anyway...Edward..thank you for the backstory/overview of your formative years. You appear very well adjusted now...Kudos!! This "Archive" is very enlightening....keep up the good work.
Never received a reply before...as I'm new to the computer world. But,,,your story was so heartwarming that i just thought I'd react. There should be some sort of publication or cyber site for non judgmental interchange for mature males. Anyway...thanks for the reply..celebrate your gifts...regards.....Edward
I’m really enjoying this series especially because as a 50 year old gay man so many role models were lost to aids so the ones that are left are extra important!
Very Nice video...... appreciate the info...... 64 year old gay man .... I can empathize ....raised in a family of 8 kids...4 & 4 catholic..... I came out in 81 at 21, and my sister a Few years later ... my parents were always very excepting ... we were Lucky....but I myself had to go threw Bullying at a younger age..my lesbian sister was great at sports, I hated sports...well you get the picture...
I came from exhausted parents as well and had to self-maneuver from a young age. I decided at age 12, I would be true to myself and survived on the notion that I was unique and would always be non-conformist (including in the gay culture where sex still seems paramount to self-definition). I've never been with a woman and never felt I had to "come out" ceremoniously or otherwise. I took the barbs of bullies and discrimination and it did damage my self-esteem. But, I have come full circle through courage and loss, and am the result of resilience and self-respect, convinced that what people think of me is none of my business.
My first time, I saw stars and lights, and had never felt that in my life before. The feel of black guys smooth skin was a huge turn on. I missed out on gay love too, but got busy one I discovered it. Then pissed me off to chat with guys on facebook from Jr High School who were having sex all through high school with other boys.
These videos are amazing. I had someone like Tony who brought me out. Without him I could’ve continued walking down the path of self destruction and potentially taken others with me. Thank you guys! ❤
I was in a constant cover-up mode, self-awareness sucks at a young age, and kept to myself most of the time. Am ashamed that I avoided anyone that was as different as me? Almost 80, alone with regrets, hopefully younger people will find their partner, and accept themselves without reservation.
our testimony highlights the importance of a support network and community, especially for young teens who have no idea how to deal with the situation. I would've loved to sit down and do an interview with you.
I often get this comment, and I always wonder how it feels to hear a parallel version of your story through someone else's life that you've never met before. I have yet to experience that myself.
This is so interesting. All of these stories seem to have some kind of “happy phase” even if the present is left wanting. I guess my biggest fear is that I waited too late and I’m going to miss a “happy phase.”
