My Experience with the LGBTQ+ Activism

[NCgayguy]

I wanted to post this here because I think sometimes, we all need a reminder from time to time to renew our souls and purpose for why we battle and struggle in these uncertain times. There are so many issues involved for the LGBTQ+ that many folks may think are separate, but they really aren’t. They are all about human rights. There’s a reason for a RAINBOW UMBRELLA, if we can’t shield all then we must all stand in the storm together if we are to survive. I don’t want to come across as too maudlin in this post, but I must give warning that what you are about to read may be upsetting to some. I don’t mean it to be because it’s very emotional for me as well.

I keep Tommy’s Facebook Active for several reasons and today a question was asked in a group I joined. The question: “How were you affected by the AIDS crisis in the eighties? I have to tell you, The number of replies were staggering!

This was my reply.

“Dear Gay Men's Life After 60, What a truly deeply emotional question to ask! God Bless YOU! Sometime people need reminding! Tommy and I lost many friends back then and on into the early 90's. We marched on DC and Reagan in 87. We saw the AIDS MEMORIAL QUILT on its first public display. The mood and sights there were such unity that I've never seen since. We may be old, and some no longer among us BUT as I always say, "We were young once. We marched on Reagan in '87. We made a difference for equality hoping today's younger generation will never have to experience the hatred we fought!" People sometimes forget when they look at those photos of the 80's and farther back to Stonewall and throughout history that the young people in those photos are some of the elders of LGBTQ+ among them still. Thank you for asking for our heartfelt memories! May You All Be Healthy, Safe and Happy........AND LOVED! Reis, Tommy's Loving Husband of 41 Years! ”

Then the OP replied to me that he thought it was a good question to ask among our age group, and this was my response to that.

“You are on spot! The things I clearly remember would bring you to tears! Example, there was a mother by a quilt with a photo of her son. She told us all about him. SO HANDSOME, like a movie star! People gathered around her and listened, and we cried. Then someone started a line and we each hugged her. I still cry to this day about that. Then as we walked along the Quilt, the audible sounds of moans and crying were sobering! I still get chills. There was love there too that day and smiles and hearing people asking," Did you know him?" ......I can't write anymore right now; I'm getting too emotional. Thank you for allowing us to share! May You Be Healthy, Safe and Happy.......AND LOVED! Reis, Tommys' Loving Husband! ”

My hope in posting in this forum is that younger members here and allies will see a perspective from someone (Tommy and Me) who were activist back then and as I said in my response “We were young once…” We really did make a difference though seemingly small to some it was a much harsher time; I assure you! I want younger people to never experience the level of hate, shame and anger that was thrusted upon us. In this day of uncertainty, under this regime, I fear they may! I cry for them. I do, truly!

Thank you for reading!
May You All Be Healthy, Safe and Happy……AND LOVED!
Reis, Tommy’s Proud and Loving Husband of 41 years!

(and YES, you are going to see me post that “sign off” a lot because I do love My Tommy and I am so proud of him and our 41 years together!)