Gay vintage pictures

Hundreds of photographs from the 19th and 20th centuries offer a glimpse at the life of gay men during a time when their love was illegal almost everywhere.

A beautiful group of photographs that spans a century (1850–1950) is part of a new book that offers a visual glimpse of what life may have been like for those men, who went against the law to find love in one another’s arms.

While the majority of the images hail from the United States and are of predominantly white men, there are images from Australia, Bulgaria, Canada, Croatia, France, Germany, Japan, Latvia, and the United Kingdom among the cache.

What do images of men in love during a time when it was illegal tell us? What are we looking for in the faces of these people who dared to challenge the mores of their time to seek solace together?

This was notably more feasible for women, as societal norms permitted women to live together if they were not married, often referred to euphemistically as “female companions.”

For men, opportunities for meeting like-minded individuals were more discreet, with places such as gentlemen’s clubs, bathhouses, pick-up spots at parks, certain squares, etc.

The world of theater and circuses also held a well-known history of homosexual activity, dating back to a time when male prostitutes plied their trade at theaters.

In the armed forces, particularly in the navy, gay relationships were notorious, perhaps owing to the prevalence of seafarers seeking companionship during their long voyages.

This remarkable collection offers a glimpse into the lives of brave individuals who dared to love openly.

It provides a visual history of LGBT relationships spanning from the 1860s to the 1960s.

Mild disclaimer: It’s not always easy to determine if all these photos feature same-sex couples.

The late 19th century in the United States and Europe was characterized by Victorian moral values and rigid gender roles.

Seeing ourselves in the past is as much about being certain of our present and, dare I say, our future. They are joyous.

Let’s be honest, we are looking at predominantly white men, because that's the unfortunate truth of the world, that white men get everything first. In an era before dating apps, social media, or mainstream LGBTQ+ acceptance, Mike's photos give us insight into how gay men sought connection, identity, and self-expression.

What makes Balaban's social media special is his openness and authenticity.

Flipping through the book, it wasn’t that I felt that I learned a great deal about being LGBTQ, but what gave me comfort was the feeling that we’re not going anywhere. Mike narrates tales of past romances, spontaneous adventures, and LGBTQ+ milestones he's experienced firsthand.

Through these images, Mike offers glimpses into private moments of queer joy, love, and community.

As a trans woman, I definitely felt like I was not present in Cherry Grove at that time, but gay men and women were there, carving out space that I get to inhabit today. They may not have been highly affluent, but they had enough income to rent these basic little cabins out on Cherry Grove.

Under each photo, you'll find richly detailed captions that unfold personal stories and historical context. He's also an active participant, sharing personal and poignant details from his life. When we see them as connected, we feel more whole, and that’s what love is about for many of us anyway.

The book, Loving: A Photographic History of Men in Love 1850s-1950s (5 Continents Editions), is available online.