—u/ineverbot “I grew up in a small town during the 1970s. If you were labeled as queer, you had a target on your back. You were subject to verbal abuse and physical attack anytime you were out of the house. The authorities would do nothing to protect you; after all, you brought it on yourself by being queer. Things are better today, but we still have a long way to go.” —u/Friendlyfire2996 “I am 71. Most of us had to live closeted lives. There was no ‘gay’; it was ‘faggot.’ You couldn’t get a job…you couldn’t hold hands or display any affection. Surprisingly, it was AIDS that gave gays a begrudging place at the table. And now, sadly, I see things moving backward. Some old hatred just wouldn’t let us be. We survived during a pandemic…I’m sure younger men and women will lead us forward again to lasting freedom.” —u/rickyticky46 “I marched in the Gay Pride Parade in New York City in the early ’80s, in the middle of the AIDS crisis. It felt lovely to be in the parade. Spirits were high. But the level of hostility from the cops lining the route was palpable and disturbing; some of the spectators were obviously not supportive. It didn’t feel safe at all. The subway ride home felt like we were taking our lives in our hands, frankly.” —u/Confident_Fortune_32 —u/Yggdrssil0018 —u/Multiplemike4678 —u/Elsbethe —u/zordtk
