The photo is from 1980 San Francisco Pride. The first case of AIDS in the US would be reported one year later in June 1981, and life for these men and millions of others would never be the same again. Most of the U.S. would refuse to help, leaving tens of thousands to die afraid and alone. An unsympathetic America would see AIDS as “God’s will” and a way to “cleanse society”.
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.
BosGuy 
I don’t understand this determination to involve God in all the events, which happen to be bad, in the life of the human being, which has so many followers US.
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I find the lack of solidarity of the masses so sad and cruel, referring to all those people who believe they are above good and evil as “mass”, who are not aware that tomorrow it may be him who, sometimes without knowing how , may be the next to catch such a terrible disease that I cannot understand this lack of empathy towards those who suffer and suffer from a disease. It is not about adopting everyone who comes before you with a disease (whatever it is) but it is about the most basic thing that is respect and empathy. People who suffer and suffer from a disease (whatever it is) in addition to needing good medical care, also need humane treatment, empathy, feeling supported, supported and something that cannot be denied to anyone and that can help more than the better treatment: a hug, a show of affection, a look of friendship and security instead of closed doors.
Do not forget that at any time of the day, your life can change radically for the worse and what you will need most is the love, affection and support of your loved ones and friends and of a supportive and respectful society. ❤️
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I remember these days so well. Thank you. Sent from my Verizon, Samsung Galaxy smartphone
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Thank you for posting this photo and comments as a reminder of our “dark history”, for a new generation to realize
how much we sacrificed, how far we’ve come, and not to take for granted all the freedoms they have been benefited. 🤔🤗
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Thank you. It’s a pretty iconic picture. Where did you source it? The men in it were the stuff of my teenage fantasies. By the following year it became my biggest fear.
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I believe I nabbed it from the excellent (but now defunct) jsjammersmith.wordpress.com blog
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❤️
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