In terms of then and now one must also take into consideration the where in order to get a true picture. Being raised in Northern British Columbia, Canada, as a young gay teen, one was definitely in the closet or you were ganged up and if you were lucky just beaten badly and if not so luckily you could easily end up dead It wasn't an issue you could talk to your parents about or anyone for that matter. So many young teens ended up in psych facilities so they could be cured or end up in a juvenile centre for as long as it took to cure you of this horrible sickness (there words.. not mine). At the age of 15 1/2 I ran away from home to Alberta because the age to be considered an adult there was 16 and I hoped I could hide out from my family. If I had only known that Alberta was more homophobic than where I came from. Still in the closet I tried to live my life under the radar of the homophobic community and fortunately for me made some friends in the underground gay community who taught me how to live my life and the things I needed to do to keep out of the homophobic eye.
Unfortunately all the hiding did was sent me into confusion and I worked so hard to fit into the straight crowd that I ended up married. Fortunately for me my wife became my best friend and our life wasn't bad…. just not the life I would have chosen if being gay was more accepted. We had 3 children and I stayed faithful to my marriage vows for 29 years until one day I just knew that I couldn't continue to live a lie and asked for a divorce. As I said, my wife was also my best friend and worked with me to bring our children, our friends and relatives up to date. Some people were pissed that I had lied to them all that time, but most understood that I was also lying to myself. I wish I could say they all remained friends, but that was not the case. Most did, but these were people who I just knew would support me in my coming out and others that didn't want anything to do with me again. My kids were surprised but supportive with my son constantly bugging me to get a boyfriend.
That's when my life began for true, at 50yrs old, basically starting all over. I ended up selling my business and moving to Montreal. The gay pride flag hangs from my balcony 365 days a year and all my neighbors are great people and slowly becoming great friends as well. I live an openly gay lifestyle now and love my life.
Not sure if this is what you are looking for, hope it helps. If I had to do it all over again I must admit that with all the bad came my 3 kids, worth every minute of the hassle and would do it the same all over IN THOSE TIMES. If it was today I would move forward in live as a gay man knowing I can have children and a loving partner and be true to myself. :true:
Yes i'm sorry i want to hear from everyone's point of view , Country doesn't matter .
Also was that in the 80s ?
Also thank you for the reply it . IT really Hurts to know you could fear for your life but i know what you mean by that !!
