it gets better: wisdom from our gay elders 

I love you all. I see myself encouraging the younger ones at that age

This was beautiful. Coming from a person who was diagnosed with General Anxiety Disorder and depression, I can emphatically say that it does get better. Hang in there.

I'm a 43 years old gay guy. When I was young, I thought about committing suicide many times but instead, I did fight against all the barriers, discrimination and hatred. Now things are better but I have a broken heart with two coronary stents in it. I'm disowned by my family, I was fired, I was alienated but I survived. Now I enjoy life together with my partner. If someone has a problem with my being gay, it's his problem.

This was very encouraging. I only hope that it reaches others who may be in similar boats and that it makes a lasting impression. My way of defeating suicidal thoughts has been thinking of my father's funeral, and just how many people had come, more than 3 times what mom says he probably would have expected. Every time things get rough, I think of that, and I tell myself 'Just look at all those people, and realize how many people you've influenced even in some small way, and you won't even begin to realize just how many more you don't even know you've helped, who will miss you when you're gone." That is what gives me my strength to be myself and fight on for life.

just a reminder: Many Gay Seniors are Alone during the Holidays :(

aww this is sooo cute!! i luv the message, its gives me and many other teens more hope and more things to look forward to in my life. thank you so much for uploading this =)

I am a 72 year old gay man who shared my life for 36 yrs with a partner although he is no longer with me I find I'm having a great time being an active member in my Gay Pride organizations It definately got better for me and God willing I shall be around a lot longer to enjoy all the good things that life offers me now. I send my love and peace to the whole world gay and straight alike. We are loved. Hugs my friends :-)GB

I love that lady, the second person to talk "I'm old enough to be yah grandmutha!" This is a great, great video.

Thank you, grandparents. : )

i love how the one guy just says "watch glee!"

Aww,I love gay ppl!!

Beautiful BEAUTIFUL work and great and amazing things you all are doing! I am a huge fan of your work and I LOVE IT! I love gay people and would love to meet any gay people in my life! I LOVE YOU ALL!!!!!!!!!!

What a wonderful, accurate and psychologically supportive message.

THANKS for share it with us !!! FAN-TASTIC video !!! Lovei it !! Regards from São ~Paulo / Brazil .

you guys are awesome :D

The word "homophobia or transphobia," when broken down, roughly means being scared of Trans and Gay. Its loaded suffix suggests that it's a clinical term, just as arachnophobia refers to people with a fear of spiders. Amateur's here prescribes the wrong help. Biden is an amateur also prescribing damaging medicine that many Trans and Gay's later regrets listening to amateur's. Many choose suicide while others live on tormented with disfigurement hoping to sue quack doctors. Trans, Gays and Lesbian's rejects good help because of peer pressure's from others like them that doctors each other wrong. It's a sickness that 37 other country's has band this sickness not to spread with a 10 year prison sentence to those who try. True Christian's are the best help with the best Doctor but pride hurts to embrace a clutch to walk. Most will not humble to be seen embracing a clutch which is Jesus publicly. Being ashamed of Jesus He will be ashamed of them to the heavenly Father. Many today broke away from quack doctor's and peer pressures with a testimony for the right Dr. Jesus set them free indeed. Going home where God will dry every tear. Amen...

This made me cry and I never cry but I just........... I dont know I just did, thank you so much ladies and gentlemen, so much

...thank god for making this... Im not gay but i sapport it and dont think it should get harassed by trillions

check out caffmoscommunity on the net, superb group of young and old. great site. than ks for the video, good stuff!!

Such a great message! I've met some of them! They are wonderful people who impart such timeless wisdom.

Honestly I could give a fuck about growing "old,lonely or be a depressed gay guy" as you say. As long as I go to Heaven and be with the creator.

Thank you Thank You Thank You! I was so moved by this video. xxxooo Wade Lee p.s. it gets better!

What a great video. Thanks. I cared for my very accepting wife with MS for 26 years. Married 51 years. She has now passed and I am now free to be the gay man I always was, medically proven. I am 76.

It was very moving to hear that woman talk about her suicide attempt, the memory still seemed to make her emotional all these years later. How tragic if her 15 year old self had decided to kill not just herself but her grown up self, throwing away all she was ever going to have, her chance of ever finding love. Don't miss out on your life, the best revenge on people who get you down is always to be happy. It does get better.

HI THOSE people get smaller and smaller and smaller with time your sexual identity, and people picking on it becomes so little after time that its = to someone picking on you for having red hair ,being fat or not being good at math (or, like my sister, who sucks at spelling) see? what matters after all these hurdles, finding yourself and going in and coming out of the woods, what matters then is not only your identity, your personality, your pride your integrity and most of all YOUR CAREER!

(continuing) I see this video, and makes me accept not only who I am, but who I'm going to be, beauty, physics, fade away..we are only left with our soul, and THAT'S FINE. Makes me feel a little sad though..cause it's NOT easy the life we are living...just look at some hideous people's opinion in this video...take that to the real world...it's the same..But we are here, and we'll never leave because of you motherfuckers!

This video gave me teary eye. So much wisdom...I'm 24, but when I was 14 I thought of suicide many many times, and I remember always answering to those thoughts: No, I'm not gonna give them that pleasure. I'm gonna stay and annoy the shit out of them lol. That only thought made me stronger, and stand for myself to my family, and high school people, and later with university classmates. (continuing)

these men and women are incredible. it's amazing to see how happy they look after overcoming so many struggles in their lives; it's because of people like them that it got better for people like me and LGBT teenagers today. one of the ladies talked about how important it is to keep a sense of humor, and that's very true. thank you for this fantastic video; you all give me so much hope! :)

@mmokitten I guess they mean in time things will get better but sometimes you must fight for it.

Not sure how to reply, for so many people think if your not young or good body, they treat you like a disease.. And the games they play, sad.. There is some in Church are good people.. Now up there in age, alone, got prepared, got my crypt & my name is on it..With looking forward to that, it got better..

(continuing) If someone ends up "alone" or single forever, SO WHAT? The society in the past wasn't ready for us and even gay people weren't either, and that still happens in this present we are living, but that will NEVER stop us from LIVING WHO WE ARE. And also loving, briefly..or longely...it's OUR life.

Things I learned along the way, gives me voice to say, "Do not give them what they seek, stay alive, live your lesbian/gay life, ENJOY!!!! You were born as you are, embrace yourself as whole. Be a faithful friend to yoursel, good friends, don't let friends kill or hurt themselves." May we walk in beauty...Blessings

@deamonsead I AM A CHRISTAN AND I WANT TO TELL YOU THAT GOD DOES NOT HATE YOU GOD LOVES YOU THAT'S WAY GOD SENT JESUS TO DIE ON THE CROSE FOR GOD LOVED THE WHOLE WORLD THAT HE GAVE HIS ONLY SON THAT WHOEVER BELIVES IN HIM WILL NOT PERISH BUT HAVE EVERLASTING LIFE JOHN 3:16 GOD WILL ALWAYS LOVE YOU

@amyforro well is it right for me to get taxed to pay for the monarch and church!!! Look, there will always be gay people,and there will always be religious people, I tolerate religion because i keep out of it's way,and it's not like those adverts were inappropriate,just leave us to it if you don't like it! And if you can't ignore a 60 second advert then pray harder!

@Bazzarule, really? That's a terrible thing to say. These elderly people have faced adversity and hatred and are probably a hell of a lot braver than you, someone who bashes others via the internet. These people should be praised for their brave actions in times that were inhumane to members of the LGBTQA community. Please, get educated before you say terrible things.

Gay elders are the ones I have the most respect for. I look at them and I think "These are the people who had fought so hard for our rights just so we are where we are today." I'm sure they've dealt with alot of homophobia and yet here they are, old and looking absolutely fabulous!

I'm late to the party here, but seriously, these folks are not only ridiculously charming, they are so full of love and compassion and wisdom, and it makes me wish I were close enough to come play chess with them. ;) (Also, you go girl with that plum purple suit.)

Hooray for our elders! - the best resource for all of us to learn why it is worth facing the struggle and doing life anyway. There is nothing so terrible that a Pepperidge Farm cake and a nice cup of coffee cannot improve. Live, love and reach out to those who care. Great video.

It's wrong that some people come on these videos (knowing that some viewers may be in a dark place right now) just to express hate, those people are obviously allowed to have an opinion but perhaps express it somewhere else not on videos that are aimed to prevent LGBT suicide.

i love it, im 18 years old in couple weeks, and ive herd this "myth" before... and is used to make me very depressed. its not an issue for me anymore, it hasnt since i was at 14, but now i am a campigner for a number of LGBT charites, and im the happiest i could be. i loved everyone in this video

Love you all!!! This is really great, what you guys are doing. Thanks so much for making the video!! :) and I LOOVEE the guy's outfit at 3:34 ahah omg. You guys make some really good points, and even though I'm not lgbt, I feel like I can benefit from the message of this.

@amyforro I'm a lesbian, and I'm 15 years old. What I don't understand is how god hates me because I am who I am. If god hates gays and lesbians then why would he make us? People need to grow up and learn to accept us. p.s. I don't even believe in god. Just trying to prove a point.

I seen this video in an advert just before on TV about MSN Messenger so thought i would have a look. Glad i did end of the day dosent matter what sexuality we have, what colour, disability etc we are all humans we are all living together on this planet and i wished we could all just get along.

It's because of these people that the rest of us can walk down the street holding our partners' hands without too much trouble. It's because of them that we can take our lives for granted a little bit, that we don't have to fight every step of the way. God love them.

I LOVE U PEOPLE AND U MAKE LIFE BETTER.....WE R A FAMILY ... LOVE FROM KUWAIT FROM ARAB WORLD

I'm sincerely glad for them that they say it gets better for me personally it's only gotten worse and I don't know how much longer I can hang on

Thank you for sharing this.. I am re-sharing it. I appreciate the contributions from the Gay elders and I believe it is very important. Thank you (all the people who contributed) - warm fuzzy bear hugs - Satori.

What a lovely bunch of people. For young gay people it is important to see things like this. I am gay and 16 and it is very important. It encourages me and I'm so happy and I love who I am.

Thank you from a gay FTM Catholic who has been told this time and again! When I grow old......I want to be the one to help lift a despondant kid's spirit and will to live. -Adrian

This is a great video. Thank you all for sharing. I suggest maybe adding the dialog in writing within the description section so that it can reach those who are Deaf as well.

Having a successful 20 something year old tell you it gets better is helpful at times, but having people who really can say - been there done that- is just awesome!

Isn't there any goddamn straight people support? There's support for gays, suicidal people, etc... but no support for regular dudes just succeeding through life....?!

What a wonderful video. These folks have seen the darkest times by being themselves. Glad that they all are able to see the changes that we are experiencing.

Thank you, and to everyone it does get better. Its like a steve martin playing a martin short. i just came here from snakeman1998 video, thumbs up if you did too

our generation has it easier. these people are warriors! back then homosexuality wasn't looked at with the same compassion and understanding it does today.

I just LOVE this. Seeing this past generation of people encouraging us gay teenagers is so positive. They are over 50, and happy with who they are. Admirable.

This is wonderful! I love the man who said to watch Glee, haha! Great message.

Not that I'm religious (any more), but I think laughing at people because you think they're going to hell is not necessarily a sure ticket into heaven...

amazing video i love this so much i love talking to elderly people they have the best stories so i can say id love to meet all these wonderful people

Lol I just did the same thing, I was watching biggest loser and I found this

Funny thing is, did you see a single one of these elders terribly dressed? Lmfao I swear, homosexuality is the best. I'm happy with who I am :)

@spamman675, You say that like it's a bad thing. These gay and lesbian men and women are AMAZING. They are brave and beautiful and strong.

This was great! As a staunch ally of the GLBT movement, I was extremely touched by this. Gay, straight, bi, trans, or pan, we are all beautiful!

This made me cry c: and it makes me even happier that this video has less arguments whether or not you are a sinner if you are gay or lesbian :D

@sppsschoolkid How DARE you insult these brave, inspiring, wonderful people with such a ridiculous slur? You should be ashamed of yourself.

@simon1430 I wish u didnt use the glitchy google translate that actually translated to greek as something close to: It blows better.

What amazing people, i really needed this!

What older actor does the 80 year old white guy look like who says "Look at me, 80 years old. It gets better with age", etc?

this video is so amazing put a massive smile on my face! The UK should also advocate this wonderful truely amazing project!!

Great video! It DOES get better, it keeps getting better all the time!

I'm comfortable being gay. I'm depressed and suicidal because I'm a loser who doesn't have a job and going nowhere in life.

@RepentOrBurnInHell OMG LOOK AT HIM!!!! LOOK AT HIS USERNAME! HE MUST BE BETTER THAN US BECAUSE HE SAYS WERE GOING TO HELL

Even if it never gets better. look at you now. your taking the hardest things life is throwing at you. - never give up

these videos are amazing. it gets better kids. it really does. there are people that love you! love from memphis :)

Thank you for an inspiring video. I'm so glad you all are still here and happy to hear that your lives got better.

What good-looking men! They would hate it, but I'd turn straight for one or two of them, and I'm half their age.

I'm not gay, but I support LGBT, & these videos make me smile, oh so much. I know that it will get better for you.

I always thought getting older would mean loneliness for me, but things like this are making me change my mind.

It's GOTTEN better. Enough said.

Homophobia is just a name for sheer ugliness, inner ugliness. Gayness is a form of love, form of beauty.

I have 57. The actitudes and the actions in our lives are done for yours and my happiness. The people around us dont have any power to determinate your feelings. Then , be happy and continue growing with your close friends.

I envy all of you who live in cities and places where older gay persons have the ability to mingle together and be friends. I live in a remote part of SW Oklahoma, and , to my knowledge, am the only gay person within many miles. It is hard to go day to day, knowing all I have to look forward to is my own funeral. Thank you for letting me know there are people who cope with the fact that gay people are more or less on their own -- and are able to deal with it. Blessings on all of you.

Hello ,, I'm from California 40 yrs old single gay,, are you????,.

@GTVEVEMAN These people are inspirational, which is more than I can say for an internet troll like you.

They are all just so adorable. Thank you for doing this!

If you're going through hell, keep going - Winston Churchill

oh , now i just read this im so glad .... so please " pass it on" ( your attained wisdom) blessings

You are all amazing for making this. One of the best IGB videos I've seen. Respect to all of you!!!

how fantastic! thank you so much. You brought tears to my eyes and a laugh to my breast. Peace

Many of us are lucky to meet someone special. Many of them are not that lucky. That’s life.

I really hope this helps some kids. These people are proof that it really does get better. :)

Thank you from Ireland.

@LGBTAgingProject At 2:52 the captions stop tracking with the people speaking...just FYI.

Made me tear up, this was a really sweet video. Thanks so much for sharing. Cheers xx

Wonderfully done, I could not imagine having lived in the time when these people did. this was a time when there was no internet and all the literature and everyone around them saying "that your sick for this love that you have inside you." but as they said, it gets better. this world is changing and we are more accepted. so hang in there kids

Ahhhh I luv these people there soo awesome and kind :) thank u all In the video. :D

I just wanted to say thank you. Thank you so much. This video means so much to me =)

Oh my GAWD! Are these MAINE-AHs???? I LOVE IT!!!

It does get better, it's not easy being gay, but I wouldn't change a thing!

I wish I has some older guys to hang out with,