Vintage gay

1955 portrait of Donald Windham (left) with life-partner Sandy Campbell by celebrity gay photographer and writer Carl Van Vechten.

Donald Windham and Sandy Campbell were a well-known couple in New York’s gay literary circles. It was at a chance meeting at Paul Cadmus’ studio that Donald met Sandy, who was modeling for one of Cadmus’ paintings. Windham and Campbell began a 45 year relationship that led to a collaboration as avid book collectors, voracious readers, and friends with many of the most important literary figures of their time. The couple lived together from 1943 until Campbell’s death in 1988. Windham passed away 22 years later in 2010.

I dedicate this weekly post, featuring vintage gay photographs, to the men and women who lived in a more critical time where being true to yourself and loving who you want wasn’t always an option and came at a great price. Do you have a photo you would like to share? Email me at bosguymail@gmail.com.

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