Many of these images had to be taken with great caution: if their love was exposed, these men could suffer serious consequences.
It’s hard to believe that the topic of who a person chooses to love remains controversial to this day. Even more unbelievable is that it’s still being legislated by authorities. However, if we go back just a couple of centuries, we can see how much progress we’ve made on this issue. Gay marriage may not be legal yet in several countries, but at least loving a person of the same sex is no longer a crime.
The Nini-Treadwell Collection has launched a book honoring this progress. It’s a series of old photographs, dating from 1850 and later. They all show men who were in love with each other, but who, because of the circumstances of the time, had to keep this a secret. It’s a sad tale, but one that serves to give us perspective on how far we’ve come. Here are 20 of the best photographs:
1. “Cowboy Dance ‘Stag’”, Providence, United States.
Nini-Treadwell Collection
2. Even a display of affection between men was seen as problematic.
Nini-Treadwell Collection
3. The book will be published in five continents, in honor of gay rights.
Nini-Treadwell Collection
4. Many of the photographs were taken in secret.
Nini-Treadwell Collection
5. The elegance of the time was there, and even magnified.
Nini-Treadwell Collection
6. A show of public affection, like a kiss, could spark violence.
Nini-Treadwell Collection
7.«Not married, but willing to be,» reads the sign.
Nini-Treadwell Collection
8. Affection often had to be subtle.
Nini-Treadwell Collection
9. The laws of the time didn’t allow anything other than a relationship between a man and a woman.
Nini-Treadwell Collection
10. Even if they went to the beach, they had to find a spot where they were alone.
Nini-Treadwell Collection
11. A portrait of the time, which today is historical.
Nini-Treadwell Collection
12. Soldiers often developed very close relationships.
Nini-Treadwell Collection
13. Cowboys in the southern United States had an especially difficult time.
Nini-Treadwell Collection
14. It’s very likely that the photographer had to take as many risks as the lovers themselves.
Nini-Treadwell Collection
15. If love is strong, not even the laws of the time will stop it.
Nini-Treadwell Collection
16. If they were black homosexuals, the risk was even greater. The era was also very racist.
Nini-Treadwell Collection
17. There’s a reason why all the photos were taken in abandoned places: it was neither acceptable nor legal but dangerous.
Nini-Treadwell Collection
18. These young men would be delighted to see how much things have improved.
Nini-Treadwell Collection
19. It was said that love abounded among sailors, and this photo proves that.
Nini-Treadwell Collection
20. It’s very likely that this couple had to justify themselves as brothers or very close cousins on more than one occasion.
Nini-Treadwell Collection
Studying history will always help us to understand the present.