We've been together 27 years. (Not an open relationship). Imo, it works because we grew up in a time where couples made relationships. That was a goal. Today, with social media, the goal is to get lots of (free) sex with no relationshop...which is great but doesn't allow the capacity or time to develop a relationship. So yes, you young gays have way more c*ck than we ever had but that's also why you will have a hard time stabilizing in a relationship.
In 1970 no one "Came Out of the Closet". I you did, you lost your job and received a "Scarlett Letter". Many people took their lives. Under Executive Order 10450 signed by President Dwight D. Eisenhower, thousands of lesbian and gay applicants were barred from federal employment, and over 5,000 federal employees were fired under suspicions of being homosexual. It did not matter if you were a top surgeon, teacher or a truck driver. They hysteria spread to all professions and this hysteria still exists when it should no longer exist in civilized nations.
I just lost my husband of 33 years, 4 months, 16 December 2023. After a long fight with liver cancer. He is no longer in pain or suffering. The gathering for the celebration of his life is tomorrow. I will miss him. He was a good man to me. Thank you, Rob, for 33 + wonderful years. You will always be in my heart.
I hope you get the chance to tell your stories and celebrate his memory and your wonderful years together. I am sending you love and strength to help you through this difficult time.
People who oppose same-sex marriage should watch this video. Why would anyone want to deny these individuals the right to love each other and grow old together? Appreciate your story guys.
Because those people are miserable and against love and self-acceptance and of people they hate (for no reason) having happier and healthier lives than they have.
Our relationships are so unbelievably normal, I can't understand why it bothers straight people so much. I tell people all the time that my late partner and I had such a normal and even boring life people wouldn't believe it. But most importantly the love was deep. I miss him so much.
I was 32, he was 26. It was New Years Eve 1977. From that night forward, for 40 years, we were together. My life was totally changed. In 2017 he passed away. We were each others best friend, lover, and confidant. We were monogomous and did not do drugs . We often said that we saved each other from aids. I have never loved like this before. He was everything I wasn't. He made me a better man. All that I became was because of his love. Now, at 78, I look back and see what a wonderful life I've had and how wonderful he made it. I would do it all again in a second. There wasn't a day that went by when I didn't say, "I love you." We were so very lucky. I miss him every day..........
Your story is so very important to hear. I would love to know how you coped with his passing and how you are keeping his memory alive and how you are doing. I bet so many others need to hear it as well.
What you described is beautiful….i am so sorry for you”re loss. I hope one day to find the kind of relationship you described having, especially the no drug part and monogamy part, to find a best friend and love of your life, to save each other in that way from the main stream gay lifestyle, is such a blessing ❤. I wish I could know your story because, everything you said about your partner is so nice and inspiring.
@billrichardson6866 Thank you for your kind words. I won't lie, I was pretty much destroyed when I lost him. I didn't touch his clothes or belongings for 5 years until I decided to move. I cried uncontrollably every day for what seemed 3 or 4 years. I set up an endowment scholarship at his Alma Mater in 2018. He is still very much a part of my life. I have his pictures in every room. It makes me smile to see him. The hurt never goes away. You just get used to it. I was so very lucky to have had him in my life. I truly can say I was loved.....
Hi everyone. Roy and I are happy that you all enjoyed stories from our little life. We are humbled by all of the positive comments you took the time to write. Everyone has a story to tell. This archive project is a great way to tell yours. We look forward to hearing them.
This is so sweet. My hubby and I are approaching 30 years together and have similar issues as you guys. It’s scary sometimes. Our families aren’t cognizant about our relationship and the issues we face. They look at us as just a couple of guys playing house. Several of them have already told us they wouldn’t be there for us. We’ve thought about trying to find an LGBT retirement home but don’t know where to begin. We live in Michigan and it seems rather dismal. Thanks for sharing your story. It made me laugh smile and get a little misty. All the best from us to both of you. ❤❤❤
Hooked up with a guy about 16 years ago. Been together ever since! We've lived together for 14. Renovated 2 houses. Lived in a tent for 3 weeks. Three states. Several pets. Job changes, career changes. Always something new... but we always do it together. I graduated college 2022. He will graduate again 2025. Both staring new careers. Finish renovating the house we're in and planning on moving to another state, again😅. Interracial, intergenerational (20 years), different cultures. Still remember his big grin the night we met. It's been so easy.
@johndoe-wv3nu What an amazing story you have. Love can come at an unexpected time. When it does, you grab it and hold on. What you said is so important. Whatever challenges come your way, you face them together.
@@billrichardson6866 I say this for younger couples (we're 36/56). We talk, negotiate, and comprise. Neither of us is selfish. End of the day, we just laugh. Challenges can be fun. We grow together. Push each other. No stress when we're together.
Being a widower who lost his partner after an 8 year relationship I find it quite difficult to find a partner who is also looking for a long term connection. Seeing this gives me some hope that it's not impossible. Cherish what you share! ❤
I'm sorry for your loss. At least you found a partner. I looked for decades to no avail. I stopped looking about a decade ago. I acknowledge that an ltr or marriage isn't in my deck of cards of life.
@billrichardson6866 Thank you. I'm a romantic and a realistic. My view is:1. My partner never existed. 2. He was lost in the early years of the AIDS crisis. 3. He met me while I was in a "bad place." 4. I met him while he was in a "bad place." 5. GOD has one in mind that will knock off my socks. The other side is that I have more days behind me than ahead of me. The sun will rise and set whether or not a man who loves me and that I love is with me.
It’s always interesting listening to other guys stories. Thank you for yours! Mine started with a one night stand that never ended. Husband 66 I’m 60 and we have been together for 39 years and still having the time of our life. ❤
Very similar time frame for us - my husband is 66 and I am turning 60 in a few weeks. We are celebrating 38 years together, and enjoying the extra time with each other now we have retired.
My partner and I lived together for 30 years before we got married in 2009 in Darien Conn. 2024 will be our 45th anniversary of being together. We had no long courtship as I feel in love with him the moment I saw him and that feeling has never changed. I'm later 60's and my husband is mid 70's and we too wonder about the future...
@maximinomelendez549 - 14 years living together (after approximately 2 years dating). 20 year age gap. We've had so many obstacles but never had any big problems between us.
You guys took the same path as me and my husband. He came out with me. 47-years later we’re still together. You’re right it’s not for everyone, but it was right for us. CONGRATULATIONS
We are about to retire after 18 years of life together, 13 of them married. It’s a great feeling that so many men of our generation didn’t live long enough to enjoy. I count my blessings every day that we survived.
16 years with my husband we meet in 2008 he was 19 and me 21 I am now 38 and he is 36 still in love, and being in a relationship is not easy but its up to you two to fight and work through all the battles that come your way. Fight together not against eachother is what I tell everyone who ask the question how do yall do it.
The honesty and frankness is something I’ve not seen before on channels like this. This is really refreshing. As a single man who’s happy being single, it makes me happy for these guys!
This was such a fun, inspirational and heartwarming video, it's so important for us as a community to SEE our elders, learn from them and take care of them.! Bill and Roy are such a beautiful couple, I wish them all the best!
We've been together 34 yrs. I'm 62, he's 70. Like you, we don't have children so we are planning for our care when that time comes. We have determined that we can hire live-in help cheaper than a care facility and we want to remain in our home as long as possible. We're remodeling our 2-story home to put a master suite on the 1st floor, including a handicap bathroom and looking at other modifications. We don't want to make these changes at the last minute. Oh my, we sound like an old married couple - which we are.
That's another important topic that I'd like to cover. That would definitely be a helpful topic for the community. I know it's not the most pleasant subject but everyone is going to face those issues eventually.
David is 84 and I Mark am 64. We have been together for 31 years now. ON Sat Jan 6, 2024 We were married finally. I love him more today then I did those many years ago.
What am I not getting... these two slept around while "Partners"! the only thing they are partners in is the threesomes.. Give be a break.. this is what we are sharing with PRIDE! a joke.
@SmilesWalker We've been lucky. We haven't had very many haters. We've also lived in areas that are generally accepting. We now live in a predominantly gay area so holding hands is fine. We both have family member that are not accepting and they are just not a part of our lives.
I just lost my husband after almost fifteen years being together and seven years of marriage. I feel robbed because we would have been together tell the end. But I’m so grateful for the memories and the love that we shared together. He inherited his heart issues from his father who died when he was 32 years old. Jason at least lived to his 50th birthday. He had his first heart surgery seven years ago.
My husband and I met in our 30's and just celebrated 30 years together. Our home has become the holiday gathering place for our many siblings and their families. I am so thankful for that. There is so much joy in Bill and Roy's story. Thank you for sharing.
I came across this video by accident, I am at the point already that the guys are preparing for, I lost my husband in December 2016 after 43 physically together and miss him everyday, last August 8th I celebrated with friends what would have been our 50 years together . I wish these guys much health and happiness and make as many good memories as you can , xx C
You are correct. Long term relationships are not for everyone. As you state, there are many paths. Our path is a forever relationship. I met my partner in college in 1971 and we have been together ever since, 53 yrs. so far. Yes it has been challenging but I can’t imagine my life any other way. We don’t really believe in “gay marriage” but did eventually marry ro protect our possessions and savings from the government and family when one of us dies. We are both very fortunate to have grown up when we did. Just a few years before we met gay people could be imprisoned or put into mental institutions. Things have changed a lot. Unfortunately today’s gender activists are undoing a lot of the progress that we fought so hard to get. I hope things calm down. Remember, the best way to educate people is through good examples. Nice video, By the way, Thanks!
Wow. You can really see the mutual admiration and care between these two. They really hit on points for ANY relationship. Smart. They also seem like they would be great hosts.
I and my partner are together 45 years this year we are 65 and 78 it is great to hear your lifestory and the honesty expressed....it is so refreshing to hear the things I and my partner discuss although we have never involved others exually I can see what agreta couple you are .Wisnig you both many more happy years together from us in the UK.
My husband and I will be together 34 years in April. A lot of ups and downs and drama, but I could not think of anyone I would want to be with more than my husband. We went through the burial of both our sisters and parents and been through job changes and financial challenges but again, we came out fine and it was because we had each other, and we know each other better than anything. The part about "buttons" is so true and so meaningful. Young people listening to this, please take what he said seriously!!! Thanks guys!
Thank you for your comments. It sounds like we've been through some of the same experiences. Family death, finances, etc. You are so right that we made it through those challenges because we had each other. Congratulations to you both.
This was great. Short and on topic. Just enough for me to relate with. Really showed me why and how me and my husband make it work. I agree that relationships like this aren't for everyone, including straight people and how fortunate some of us are to find a life long partner when we both are the type that love this path.
Great video, I can relate to you guys me and my husband have been together 37 years. I also wonder about our future as we get older but we will nevagote through. Thank you for the great video.
I've been with my husband 32 years. I met him at a Christmas party at church. On our 3rd date I told him I could see us together 32 years (I knew a couple that were together that long) Back then it seemed such a long time now it seems such a short time.
Thank you Bill and Roy for sharing your story. I liked that you didn't shy away from telling us about the tough moments and being realistic and honest about being attracted to other men and how you dealt with that inevitability. And such great advice near the end-to be happy however you define it. You're both still very handsome btw!
I'm not sure how this video came to my attention but I'm thanking the universe tonight that it did. I love you guys and feel like we magically became life long friends for no other reason than just being gay men. My perspective on being an aging gay man revolves more around issues with loneliness and isolation. I'm not complaining, we all have our challenges. But seeing these two amazing men talking about their beautiful life together went straight, I mean gayly forward, to my heart. Thank you everyone involved. Wishing you love and happiness and many, many more years together in the future. Spokane, WA
We just celebrated 27 years an it's so funny to hear myself in what these guys are saying. Not parallels exactly, but really, really similar. Congratulations Guys!
I met my husband on a bus when I was 18, and we are still together...............I'm 61 this year. We dated for 2 years before we spent the night together.
Congratulations, guys. I love that we can all come together and let others know that there is not just 1 way to Daye or form a relationship. Do what works for you.
This is a great opportunity to watch and listen to Bill and Roy talk about the multiple facets of being in a long-term relationship. It's never a dull moment, that's for sure! 17.5 years and it feels right! Thank you so much and happy new year!
Thank you Bill and Roy for sharing your story. We just celebrated 7 years and it’s nice to see couples to look up to and know we can make it so much farther. ❤
What a delight..! A testimony to enduring love - we should all be so lucky.... And they are so wise to be considering options for the future; where to live, becoming a caregiver when the other suffers long-term illness, etc. Trust me, as a gay, 75-year-old man who is a (willing - I volunteered) caregiver to an ex-wife (I came out very late in life), it can be one of the most convoluted and daunting things one will ever undertake. Anyway, they are a beacon of hope for the LGBTQ community - showing us what values and integrity means in a loving relationship. We should all strive to emulate them...!
That would be wonderful - and, trust me, they are out there - amazing how many similar stories. Two, as an example, that I am familiar with: One in Oklahoma - married to a woman - young - she started developing a mild form of a chronic, long-term illness right after they married - that "phase" lasted for 15 years. At that point the illness worsened (surgeries, intensive care, etc.) - another 15 years. She finally passed, and he was able to finally live his own life. Another in Wyoming (shades of Brokeback Mountain), married young to a woman who suddenly developed a mental illness (personality disorder). He took care of her and their three children. At some point, he and a long-time friend (an ol' Wyoming cowboy - gotta love it!) finally figured out that they were more than just friends - that they were in love with each other. He was sole caregiver to his wife for 20+ years until her family stepped in to help - for another 20 years. The two men, both now in their 70's, one now living in the mountains of Colorado and the other in Arizona, still keep in touch - seperated by distance and circumstance, but yet their hearts remain bound by a timeless love - that only death will put asunder... Yep, some amazing stories out there - more than you would realize..... Hope your get to produce them... @@lgbtqarchives
I think you might be the dude who responded to a comment I made on another video just yesterday. Talk about serendipity. I'm the lonely heart in rural Spokane. Peace friend.
@@RT3319 Trust me I do, but it's ridiculously hard to find people who'd be willing to share their stories in such a public way. That is been a challenge that I'm facing...especially with the lesbian community. They really need to come forward.
Hey, I'm sure that it's not easy, but thank you for all this research and work that you are doing. I believe it is so helpful to the gay community - especially to those that, for whatever reason, have little or no contact with their LGBTQ family - hopefully making them feel less isolated and alone - giving them hope in their aloneness.... So, again, thank you so much and all the very best to you and yours!!!! Wll in Yakima, WA.@@lgbtqarchives
Bill and Roy you guys are a huge example of how life could be happy as a couple, hugs from Marco and Daniele from Italy, 14 years togheter now and being officially married
This is not just a gay couple video but a wonderful relationship video all people wherever you fall on the spectrum should watch this and listen to the history and possibly see ideas to have a stronger relationship
Thanks a lot for checking out the video and supporting Bill and Roy. Just listened to your 'Mother to Son' video. Loved the narration! I need to find you!
I truly enjoyed the conversation, as we are in that age range and facing the multiples issues that come with aging. I am the practical one, he is not; he avoids reality as he can't deal with. We both have three daughters. He can get support from the older two, I don't. Being a nurse helped me to accept the fact of ending up in a nursing home; Alan can't. Anyway, thank you for the clip that it helps me lots. The best for both of you in whatever come to your lives.
Gay or straight, these guys demonstrate that open communication about life and expectations are absolutely key to maintaining anything even remotely close to a healthy relationship. They each have become a student of the other's feelings and interests.
OMG....I love this and thank you for sharing. I'll be in Wilton Manors later thus month. Been doing a long distance thing for 7 years but we plan to be together soon. I wish y'all continued happiness.
Congratulations! Maybe one day you’ll be ready to have your own archive of experiences. 13 years is not a small number at all. A ton of work goes into sustaining any type of relationship for that long.
This story gives me hope but also scares me to death. I understand that some people can live a single life and be perfectly happy. For me, the prospect of being single for the rest of my life is daunting. Years ago, I met a wonderful man, but at the time I didn't take the relationship seriously, and he moved on. It's the biggest regret of my life so far. I'm my own biggest enemy.
I wish you guys all the luck and the love in the world, 35 years together is so wonderful. I had 31 years with my man until he passed away last October. He was, without doubt, my soulmate and everything you said in this video rings totally true with us. I iss him more than words can say, but I wish the two of you a very long and happy life together. Sending much love from North West England xx
Oh, I love your story! I used to wonder what happens to old gay guys. Now that I am married to the man I love and my best friend. I know what happens. My Husband and I and Bill and Roy. I am so happy for you both, and you young guys, the best really is yet to come, and as hard as that is to believe. I truly is. My Husband also played the long game. I didn't even know he liked me in that way. I started dating someone else and then I saw the look on his face. I realized, OMG, he likes me. I ended the relationship and one day later, my husband made his move and we have been inseparable every since. It really is the best of times! Best wishes to you both!!! ROTFL I am so mad that the Gilded Age Season 3 is 2025. Hey will I even be here. LOL That was funny!
14 years together with my awesome husband, hoping for many, many more. True love and companionship do exist and I wish everyone who seeks love to find their soulmate and lifelong companion.
Watching this couple's mutual testimonial felt like a warm, lovely and endearing hug. The details of their courtship were just so darn sweet, honest and authentic, I couldn't help but smile. Incidentally, whoever coined the phrase 'men get better with age' wasn't lying. Woof! 💕
Absolutely loved this. Such a wonderful story and so nice to see positive role models for our community. Long and satisfying relationships are possible if those are willing to do the work to make it work. Congrats on so many wonderful years together. My hubby and I are coming up to 20 years and a lot of what you said mirrored what we've gone through (and so funny one of us is the extrovert and talker...me, and the other half is the quiet one who just rather stay home than go out with friends LOL). Opposites truly attract and bring out the best in both. We're coming up to 20 years since we married. Last year we picked up and moved from Canada to Melbourne Australia. Having to deal with so much downsizing and turning our lives upside down to do so. Totally get where you are coming from when you say it almost rips the relationship apart. But you get through it and come out better and closer than before. There's truly no where else I'd rather be that with him here and now. Congrats guys, wishing you many more years of total joy. 🥰
We just moved across the country. You guys move across the world. That must have been a real challenge. I am so happy to hear from you. Congratulations on 20 years, and may you have many more years of happiness together.
This story is me & my partner Gus.25yrs together now. He's 15yrs younger. Before we were together I couldn't get any interest from guys, but as soon as we were a couple everyone was interested in us individually. It's not an easy pathway but worth it. We own everything in common, enduring power of attorney for each other and run a gardening service together although I am in my 70's and semi retired.
Great to listen to you guys tell your story. My husband and I have been together nearly 35 happy years. In the gay community, it seems most guys like being single and playing the field and that's ok cause people should live their lives on their terms. We're in a committed monogamous relationship, which probably puts us in the 1% club. As I approach 60 and look back at all the past opportunities I passed on, I could have had a lot of extra fun along the way, but I have no regrets. My journey with my husband has been awesome and I look forward to growing old and grey together. My best advise to young people is that if you want to be in a long term committed relationship (open or not), aside from the obvious such as chemistry and attraction, it requires two simple things....you need to find the right guy who wants the same things, but, second and most important, you need to be the right guy in the first place.
My husband and I have been together for 36 years. I was 27 and he was 38 when we met. We both knew the minute we saw each other other that we were meant to be together. We met that night and have not been separated since.
I know a couple who met in a bar, had sex first night and are together 38 yrs. Nicest guys you'd ever meet. I need to tell them to watch this. They are inseperable .
38 years ago, meeting in a bar was how most gay men found each other. I'm so happy to hear they are doing great and I hope have a chance to tell their story.
It's wonderful when men can love each other and share their lives together. They say that gay relationships are measured in dog years. So after 35 years together, that's several dog lives
I lost my Husband of 25 + years on the 16th December 2021. I still miss him. We met on a Friday night and zi moved in on the Sunday night and he was the love of my life.
Doesn't have to be diving, but I'm a huge proponent of finding a group doing something you love, hiking, skiing, bocce ball, whatever. I say you should have a life before you can ask someone to share it with you.
All the very best to you both. I am gay and my wife was very accepting. We were married 51 years and I cared for her with MS for 26 years before she passed. I am now free to be the gay man I always was but I am not looking for a husband. At 77 I'm too old now.
