This week’s photo of Bernard Perlin and Edward Newell dates back to 1970. The two were a couple for 54 years until Perlin died in 2014.
For those unfamiliar with Perlin, he was an extraordinary figure in twentieth century American art and gay cultural history, an acclaimed artist and sexual renegade who reveled in pushing social, political, and artistic boundaries. As a government propaganda artist and war artist-correspondent, he produced many iconic images of World War II. He was notorious for his canvasing scenes of underground gay bars and nude studies of street hustlers, among other aspects of gay life that really amazes me if you think about the political climate of the time.
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.
Thanks for posting this. I became intrigued by Perlin abd have spent the last few hours searching for more information about him. Fascinating life.
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