Being Gay in Tennessee Wasn't Always Easy | Topic

The battle for LGBTQ rights hasn't only been fought on the streets of coastal cities; it has also taken place on the dirt roads, campuses, and in the homes of rural America. In this new short documentary‚ released 50 years after the Stonewall riots, which brought LGBTQ rights into the national consciousness‚ gay men living in central Tennessee, and their families, share stories of struggle and self-acceptance. We meet the retiree who spent his entire professional life in the closet, his devoted partner of 20 years, a pastor determined to overcome his own prejudices, and the pastor's gay son, newly in love and just starting to come into his own.

Directed by Kate Kunath

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Being Gay in Tennessee Wasn't Always Easy | Topic

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[lynnmonkres]

I remember Dean Potter while I was an undergraduate at Vanderbilt in the early 70’s. I always had utmost respect for him as our Dean. He was a breath of fresh air in what could be a stuffy environment. I always thought he had all the students’ best interests at heart, and that he was cool.

[hothatchpa]

I grew up in Bristol Tennessee. I know first hand how it feels to have things thrown at you and written on your locker. I know what its like to have to be careful what hall you walk down at school and to be chased down after school.
I ended up quitting and getting my GED and moving to PA to make a new start. This really hit home and struck a chord. I am so happy these strides are being made and good people are supporting these guys. It is not a choice.. Why would anyone choose a life of persecution and being an outcast?
Things do get better and that is the big take away here.
Thank you for this video.

[Schmeepschenstein]

Myself and my boyfriend of 6 years came out together. We were both hiding, he had an older kid and was 14 years my senior. I have never met anyone else like him and together we got better jobs, taught ourselves to drive and bought cars and we now are proud home owners. Im just so lucky to call Scotland home. Despite the bad rep glasgow gets for being dangerous, I've never felt more at easy than when I'm out and about in my crazy city. This couple not only inspires but comforts me knowing there are others out there that paved the way for us. Your love is beautiful guys and I wish you all the happiness in the world

[ncallaway]

Bless that young kids father… he is so accepting & he just GETS I hope his wife is putting out for him daily because he deserves A true king 👑

[-OSwords]

There are still things we have to fight for & there will ALWAYS be people fighting against us, but this helps me remember that as a 45 y.o. person from CA, I've had it much easier than a lot of people. I just hope that when people go to pride they remember it's not a party; it's a declaration that we will not be silenced as we have been in the past. Thank you for sharing this story.

[Maddie]

It’s never too late to be yourself and be happy.

[buleria]

This is such a touching story. It is deeply moving.

[chrisfortin]

This was such a delightful, powerful surprise to stumble across. Thank you so much! Chris in NJ 💕

[NorthStarPNW]

This story is stunning, beautiful and powerful! It's sad that K.C. had to repress himself for so long but he did it in service to bettering the future for others, and is receiving his reward of a great relationship and being a role model for the younger folks in his community. Young T.J.'s loneliness strikes home, too. Fortunately he's found support and direction in his life. Kudos to the pastor(s). I've bookmarked this story to watch it again. Be sure to hit 'thumbs up' for the algorithm.

[jamesks]

liked subscribed and belled today because of this story. This just came up today for me, but especially now in these times of reversing LGBTQ rights across the country and the world, these stories are so important to hear and to keep. Thank u! 🙆🏻‍♂

[kendallrhodes]

Its not a lifestyle and its not a choice and at the end of the day... Love is love, no matter how you find it. God Bless you all.

[davidmtrb]

Thank you for making this video. As a professor, I will be using it in my college history classes.

[LuisRodriguez-vsgq]

My respects to all these strong men that have contributed to the progress of the LGBTQ community. Without them we would not have the rights we do now. Thank you so much.

[that__girl_from]

I'm not a believer but that pastor is a really good man for loving his kid and spreading the message of love to his church.

[BroRobWm]

Deeply beautiful story. Heartfelt thanks for documenting this!

[DMHK]

This video touched my heart. More than once I was brought to tears. I’m truly grateful that I came across this video. Thank you for this.

[loriewelsh]

That’s my 6 grandkids and I getting baptized.. Thanks Devin..

[Val-rdlb]

What a sweetie. Big hugs sir. Much respect to you!

[hellosky]

I’m so happy that TJ found such a supportive family to help him through this tough time.

Also really commemorate that dad, even though he still fights with his believes the number one thing that trumps all of that is the love of his son. The love of his son beyond his religion, that’s amazing. Thank you for such a wonderful vid.

[deaneawilliams]

May God protect these beautiful souls in this video