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@thattoppingdude BEFORE AND AFTER WE GOT OUR RIGHTS 🏳️🌈 This is the second video in my Pride Series, where I'm sharing personal experiences and reflections on what life was like before many of the rights LGBTQ+ people have today. As an older gay man, there was a time when I never believed I would legally be allowed to marry the person I loved. Growing up, that simply didn't seem possible. In this episode, I talk about witnessing the changes that have happened over the years, as well as dating older gay men who lived much of their lives in secret. Many had to hide who they were, keep relationships private, and navigate a world that offered far fewer protections and opportunities to live openly. I also share why I'm concerned that some of the progress we've made could be at risk. Having lived through a time when LGBTQ+ rights seemed out of reach, I never take those rights for granted, and I discuss my worries that the current political climate may be pushing us backwards instead of forwards. While we've made incredible progress, it's important to remember the experiences of those who came before us and the challenges they faced so future generations can better understand how far we've come—and why protecting that progress matters. Whether you're part of the LGBTQ+ community, an ally, or simply interested in hearing real-life stories and perspectives, thank you for taking the time to watch and support. Thank you for being here and for being part of this journey. More Pride Series videos are coming soon! Happy Pride Month, everybody. Like, comment, and share your thoughts or experiences below. Don't forget to subscribe or follow THAT TOPPING DUDE and turn on notifications so you don't miss the rest of the Pride Series. Follow me on social media: Facebook: @thattoppingdude Instagram: @thattoppingdude TikTok: @thattoppingdude Bluesky: @thattoppingdude.bsky.social Twitter/X: @thattoppingdude Check out more That Topping Dude content here: https://thattoppingdude.com/ #ThatToppingDude #PrideMonth #PrideSeries #LGBTQ #Gayrights ♬ original sound - ThatToppingDude
