New Photo Book Documents Men In Love From The 1850s-1950s When Male Partnerships Were Illegal

For the past twenty years, authors Hugh Nini and Neal Treadwell were scavenging flea markets, estate sales, old suitcases, family archives, online auctions, and shoeboxes to collect 2,700 old photographs. All taken from the 1850s to 1950s, the sensitive pictures bear witness to the romance between men when male partnerships were illegal.

While compiling the book for the celebration of LGBTQ History Month in the US and sorting through the photos, Hugh and Neal noticed something mind-blowing. It was that the expression of love between these men that spanned different decades, centuries, and countries turned out to be almost identical. “They couldn’t have known about each other. Their [love] so similarly expressive—could only have emerged from their common humanity,” said the creators.

The captivating gazes and embracing poses reveal a world entirely different from the one we live in today. Taken in various settings, from military to domestic, and natural, the photos speak volumes about time-defying feelings of love and affection when societal norms had not matured just yet.

More info: Instagram | Loving1000.org

#1 Photo Strip: Circa 1900, Provenance: Us

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#2 Photograph: Undated

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#3 Photobooth: Undated, Provenance: Us

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#4 Photograph: Undated

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#5 Postcard: Circa 1900, Provenance: Us

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#6 Photograph: Undated

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#7 Postcard: Circa 1900, Provenance: Us

"Here are two well-dressed young men sharing an umbrella. One is placing a wedding ring on the other’s finger."

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#8 Photograph: Undated

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#9 Photograph: Undated

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#10 Photograph: Undated

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#11 Note: “Rocky Nook Labor Day 1910”

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#12 Photograph: Undated

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#13 Tintype: Undated, Provenance: Us

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#14 Cabinet Card: Circa 1880. Provenance: Us. Note On Back: “Mcinturff, Steve Book, Delaware O.”

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#15 Circa 1900, Note On Back: “In The Mirror.”

"This couple placed a camera on a dresser in front of a mirror and photographed their reflection. This image could be the first ‘selfie’ of a romantic male couple."

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#16 1945, Photo Taken In Austria

"‘In 1945, these two soldiers had hiked up into the Austrian Alps and a friend took their picture as they embraced in the snow. One soldier kept these snapshots hidden in a shoebox until the early 1990s when he handed them to a relative, along with the ring that he was wearing in the Alps photo, with the request: “Please keep these safe for me.” According to the relative, the soldier, nearing the end of his life, wanted to preserve the one thing that meant more to him than anything else. He passed away two years later.’"