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Guy Posts A 100 Y.O. Photograph That Reveals The History Of A Lesbian Relationship In His Family
Same-sex couples seem controversial in parts of the world even nowadays—imagine what it was like to live half a century earlier when such thoughts were viewed with disdain. Of course, it’s not an issue of the past, either, as there are plenty of people who’d even now like to pretend there’s no such thing as same-sex parents. Worse yet, from today’s perspective, there are even attempts to pretend that, in the past, only male-female love and relationships were valid. And maybe it’s because of such missteps that this Twitter thread featuring a wholesome retelling of a lesbian relationship garnered so much attention.
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Man has 100 year photograph that is proof of same-sex historical families
Image credits: 4T9NER
Mark Miller posted a message about a unique photograph that’s been in his family for close to a century. The photo shows his great-aunt Leslie holding her son, and the photograph was taken by her lover, Lucia Larranga. According to Mark, this image is touching proof that love disregards genders.
Image credits: 4T9NER
To him, the photo is a “talisman against the vampire of lesbian erasure”
Image credits: 4T9NER
“A celluloid talisman against the vampire of lesbian erasure”: that’s how Miller describes the image. And likely for a good reason—there are some narratives that tend to disregard lesbian relationships, especially when casting a look towards the past. According to Miller, he always feels better looking at the photo because it’s proof that these women led full lives, despite the period-related difficulties and oppositions.
Leslie was born in 1895 to a family that wasn’t afraid to show off their eclectic taste
Image credits: 4T9NER
Leslie was born in San Francisco in 1895. She lost her mother at a very young age. Her mother’s name was Einnim, a backwards spelling of her own mother’s name Minnie, and she was buried in a tomb shaped like a pyramid. The Miller family crypt (how magnificent is that?) can still be found in California.
Image credits: 4T9NER
Leslie’s connection to her grandparents survived in the tiny notes they exchanged
Image credits: 4T9NER
After her mother’s death, Leslie still kept in close contact with her grandparents. Miller even presented some of the notes the family would exchange, calling them little—in a literal sense, the whole note with the tiny envelope can really be comparable to a coin.
In 1917, Leslie met Lucia and decided to have a family with her
Image credits: 4T9NER
When the two met in 1917, Leslie and Lucia fell for each other hard, despite Lucia being a decade older. They loved each other so fiercely that they decided to have a baby. However, because there were no artificial means to accomplish that, it was agreed that Leslie would marry. It wasn’t a light decision, both from the moral perspective and because of the time period, but the two finally settled on Kenneth Moore.
To achieve their goals, Leslie married a junior army officer, Kenneth Moore
Image credits: 4T9NER
Kenneth Moore was a friend and an army officer (this took place when WWI was coming to an end) who was preparing to go fight in France. Leslie and Kenneth agreed to marry and then divorce when the child was born. Their son Robert was born in 1918 during the Spanish flu epidemic, but he survived (see? masks do save lives!).
Image credits: 4T9NER
In 1920, the family took a trip to Hawaii and came back with a companion, Louise Taylor
Image credits: 4T9NER
During the family’s trip to Hawaii, they met Louise Taylor, and soon after, they came back home with her. Miller makes a note that nothing untoward was happening, as it was likely a meeting of kindred people. All in all, the three women came back to share a home and raise the boy together, which might sound like something straight from a TV show.
The three women were even recorded as living together during three different census listings
Image credits: 4T9NER
In 1920, Lucia was listed as a companion, quite an ambiguous term. Ten years later, in 1930, she was reduced to boarder, and a decade after that, Lucia was listed as a friend only—the same status that Louise had. This probably reflects the views of the period, turning a loving lesbian couple into female friends sharing space. As a side note, Miller added that the household’s income in 1940 was $150,000, which meant they were on the wealthier side.
Image credits: 4T9NER
The couple dressed to impress and show off their duality
Image credits: 4T9NER
Miller said Leslie preferred light or pastel colors, and Lucia leaned more towards black or dark clothing. The two have been captured in many photographs, always sporting the distinct look. It’s as if they used the period-appropriate version of the contemporary ‘couple’s sweater’ arrangement, where their clothing was meant to complement each other.
Their son Robert was the living legacy they left behind
Image credits: 4T9NER
Image credits: 4T9NER
Sadly, Miller never got to meet his great-aunt or Lucia, but he did remember their son. He had distinct fashion sense, he attended Stanford, he collaborated with the New Yorker and played a piano—all these achievements and his life wasn’t in any way lesser just because he was raised by a lesbian couple, because as long as you have a family that uplifts you, why does it matter what gender it’s made up of?
Robert was an eccentric man and a great human being
Image credits: 4T9NER
Image credits: 4T9NER
Robert liked to perform in cafes and give out the tips he collected to the staff. He overcome his inability to speak after a stroke by writing wonderful letters. He never resented people, no matter how rude they were, always showing his compassion and taking the high road. That is the kind of man that was raised by three women.
Image credits: 4T9NER
The photo remains as an inspiration that gender doesn’t dictate one’s life
Image credits: 4T9NER
Miller noted that the picture stands for all the struggles Leslie and Lucia had to go through, but they came out on top. They found a way to have a family, they did well for themselves, raised a son who graduated from a prestigious university, and left behind enough inspiration for generations to come.
Image credits: 4T9NER
Image credits: 4T9NER
Image credits: 4T9NER
Image credits: 4T9NER
Image credits: 4T9NER
Image credits: 4T9NER
Image credits: 4T9NER
People jumped at the change to praise the couple and share some of their own experiences
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Lynda Momalo 3 years ago
Just a note -- while "companion" was no doubt a useful term for people in lesbian relationships, many straight women did hire actual companions, paid friends at their beck and call, for company at home or to travel or just do things with them (e.g., lunch in restaurants, go to museums, etc.) because a woman on her own in public was socially suspect.
Pseudo Puppy 3 years ago
how quickly we forget that even in western societies, it was not too long ago that women weren't "allowed" to go out alone in public (and should they dare, they'd be looked down upon as something shameful).
Load More Replies...
Joonscrab 3 years ago
Can someone give me a TLDR...I have ADHD can't seem to read paragraphs and paragraphs with almost nothing really happening
Load More Replies...
Stannous Flouride 3 years ago
California's present governor Gavin Newsom was a manager and eventual part owner (with the Gettys) of the Balboa Cafe. When he became mayor of San Francisco he immediately ordered the City to recognize gay marriages.
Awsomemom52 3 years ago
My favorite uncle (the youngest of 8 siblings) was gay. It was kind of an open secret the whole family knew about ... except for my grandmother (his mom). She was the reason he could never really "come out" ... which was sad. When he died in the 80s, my aunt told everyone us, and my Grandmother, it was cancer ... but I'm not sure that's true. He worked at "P1" in Munich and partied a lot ... he really was a party - queen. On one of my visits (I was 17) I met a couple of his friends ... his second family. They were all so nice and sweet to me ... and I learned a lot about my uncle from them.
Liz the Wanderer 3 years ago
I grew up a lesbian in the south 40 years ago. As I faced my "coming out", I searched so hard for role models, history, guidance on what was happening. There was none. I had an English teacher in 12th grade who was a lesbian, but could never be open. It would have cost her job. So I had to make it up as I went. Our official LGBT history begins at Stonewall in the 60s.. it's heartbreaking that we grow into ourselves without this American History that other, less hidden groups, have to guide us.
Tom Tom 2 years ago
PASSION LESBIAN AND GAY LOVE SPELLS .. . If you are a lesbian who is in love with a very dull partner, this is the love spell that you need. It may also be that your partner sometimes denies you sex. May be her love for you is slowly waning to the extent that she doesn't even want to move with you Do not give up What you need to do is to invoke passion in your relationship and everything will be done for you The spell will tum your lover on so that she can have animal passion It will make her more full of romantic fire You will notice the difference just immediately after this powerful love spell that works has been cast.. If you are still out there being a single lesbian or gay, feel free to contact Dr omobhude today...His capable of casting the followings spell.. 1.Lesbian love spell2.Gay love spell 3.instant death spell 4.money spell 5. Divorce spell You can reach him on email at dr.omobhude1@gmail.com or whatsapp him on +2349050360605..
Todd Hollfelder 3 years ago
Wow! What a story! It should be written in a small book and graduate into a movie... although for decencies sake, much would be deleted as homosexuality is still taboo (to an extent) in 2021.
Louise B 3 years ago
What an incredibly inspiring story, and the beautiful pictures really bring it to life. I will never understand why someone feels that they have the right to dictate who someone else can love. When you stop to think about it, it's madness! If consenting adults love each other, how does that affect anyone else's life? Why does anyone else think it's any of their business? In this case, their love brought a wonderful, unique, talented person into the world. How can that be wrong?
Sandy Rood 3 years ago
My mothers mother moved from her tiny town to marry a man her brothers picked for her. She insisted her BFF come with. She remained part of our family, always.
Nikki Sevven 3 years ago
What a fantastic, joyous, wonderful story! It was told so well that I now have images in my head of these amazing women and their uncompromising, elegant life.
Dolly_of TheCowboy 3 years ago (edited)
Many ladies engaged at the time of "The Great War" (WWI for those not familiar) whom lost their intended never re-partnered because "I could never love another man" but happily went on to love and live with other ladies instead. I know of a least a dozen "couples" of ladies that ended up living with another woman who had a similar loss and had used that as a cover to explain why they never re-partnered but lived safely. I do wonder how widespread it was for men and women of those times, whom had to marry, and were widowed early and then lived with "a friend" until they passed away
AzKhaleesi 3 years ago
That picture was / is absolutely stunning. I friggin love it and would love it for my collection (I love old photographs). And good on her for having TWO companions. There were sister wives before there were sister wives. hehe.
Kim Lorton 3 years ago
My fathers' youngest brother, was gay. He came out to his family, when he was in his early 20's. This was like 1960. Or, someone outed him. My father and his other 2 brothers were in the military, and they also had 3 sisters. My grandfather kicked him out of the family, forbid my grandmother to talk to him or mention his name. No one ever talked about him, or said his name. The last time I saw him I was 5 years old. He left and went to California, San Francisco, and hopefully found love and a family made of people who loved him back. He painted houses for a living. One of my cousins spoke with him several times. My family never spoke of him either. My poor grandmother, losing her baby , and never seeing him again. I had an uncle in the CIA, and he tracked him to Haight Ashbury, where he lived. He destroyed the report, as it was decided it was " best" my poor uncle, he was funny, gentle, great with kids, and had a huge heart. I am sad to say, his family didn't . Thank you.
Esther Evans 3 years ago
Does it happen often that the child of a gay person is also gay?? I'm not being rude, just genuinely curious...
Liz the Wanderer 3 years ago
I've researched this years ago. Male homosexuality is a common "family line" event. But yes. Could be because it's more accepted by GLBT parents. We tend to work hard to encourage our children to be themselves.
Load More Replies...
Cori 3 years ago
Love is love and love is beautiful. I had a great aunt who was a lesbian. She wasn't talked about much and her sister, my grandmother, insisted that the 'live in companion' she had was 'just a friend.' She died of leukemia when I was very young and I only met her a couple of times. Those few times, however, are forever burned into my memory. She was SO much fun and beyond fascinating. She was a school teacher and adored children but never had any of her own. I wish I had had the chance to truly know her, but even more so, I wish my family hadn't been so ashamed of this wickedly smart, incredibly brave lady.
Pseudo Puppy 3 years ago
Best 10 minutes I've spent in a long time. Beautiful story. Beautiful lives. May we all be so lucky to find such love. May those in the LGBTI communities continue to have more equality, more acceptance; and may love be the only thing that is of importance moving forward. <3
Peter Christopher 3 years ago
Any man who can solve relationship problems is a Mini God, Lord Bubuza is a god on Earth. He has wiped my tears by restoring my Divorced marriage, my wife came to me one day and said she needs a divorce, She said she was in love with someone else and was tire of the marriage. she filed for a divorce and we left each other but I couldn't sleep, eat or drink, I was heartbroken and started seeking for help online, I saw different testimonies of people appreciating Lord Bubuza for helping them in restoring their relationship so I contacted Lord Bubuza on WHATSAPP: +1 505 569 0396, I told him my problems and he promise to help me with his spell. He said my wife will come back begging within 12 to 16 hours after he has finished the casting of the spell. I provide his requirement and did as he instructed. I was shocked when my wife came crying and begging me on her knees to forgive and accept her back. Lord Bubuza is a man of his word contact him for help via WhatsApp: +1 505 569 0396
Peter Christopher 3 years ago
Any man who can solve relationship problems is a Mini God, Lord Bubuza is a god on Earth. He has wiped my tears by restoring my Divorced marriage, my wife came to me one day and said she needs a divorce, She said she was in love with someone else and was tire of the marriage. she filed for a divorce and we left each other but I couldn't sleep, eat or drink, I was heartbroken and started seeking for help online, I saw different testimonies of people appreciating Lord Bubuza for helping them in restoring their relationship so I contacted Lord Bubuza on WHATSAPP: +1 505 569 0396, I told him my problems and he promise to help me with his spell. He said my wife will come back begging within 12 to 16 hours after he has finished the casting of the spell. I provide his requirement and did as he instructed. I was shocked when my wife came crying and begging me on her knees to forgive and accept her back. Lord Bubuza is a man of his word contact him for help via WhatsApp: +1 505 569 0396 or e-ma
N G 3 years ago (edited)
That is beautifully amazing. When my cousin came out he did so using selecting a new email domain @9bob (the phrase being "as bent as a 9 bob note" - not necessarily politically correct, but that was the world *he* had grown up in.) My nan, in her 90s, thought it was marvellous. The rest of the family took it completely in stride too - the main complaint being, not that he was gay, but that his new partner monopolized games night and could he not let someone else pick a game instead! (Apparently, this was overenthusiasm driven by nerves, and Bob (yes, that's his actual name!) settled down and actually became Nan's best friend before she passed.
Alloydog 3 years ago
Thank you Mr Miller, the word "throuple" was not even in my vocabulary until I read this. My browser's spell-checker has put a wiggly red line underneath word as I type this. I must now _right-click_ and select *Add t_o_ dictionary*.
birdie asf 3 years ago
they had an agreement going. it is stated, "leslie brought up the deal", insinuating that both sides were a part of this. don't worry
Load More Replies...
birdie asf 3 years ago
they had an agreement going. it is stated, "leslie brought up the deal", insinuating that both sides were a part of this. don't worry
Load More Replies... birdie asf 3 years ago
homophobia in 2021, unfortunately pretty common. how does it effect you in any way at all if two women decide that they love each other? who are you to judge that? just admit you're worried that it'll decrease your chances of getting a woman, which are presumably low if this is how you treat people who are different from you.
Load More Replies...
Lynda Momalo 3 years ago
Just a note -- while "companion" was no doubt a useful term for people in lesbian relationships, many straight women did hire actual companions, paid friends at their beck and call, for company at home or to travel or just do things with them (e.g., lunch in restaurants, go to museums, etc.) because a woman on her own in public was socially suspect.
Pseudo Puppy 3 years ago
how quickly we forget that even in western societies, it was not too long ago that women weren't "allowed" to go out alone in public (and should they dare, they'd be looked down upon as something shameful).
Load More Replies... Joonscrab 3 years ago
Can someone give me a TLDR...I have ADHD can't seem to read paragraphs and paragraphs with almost nothing really happening
Load More Replies... Stannous Flouride 3 years ago
California's present governor Gavin Newsom was a manager and eventual part owner (with the Gettys) of the Balboa Cafe. When he became mayor of San Francisco he immediately ordered the City to recognize gay marriages.
Awsomemom52 3 years ago
My favorite uncle (the youngest of 8 siblings) was gay. It was kind of an open secret the whole family knew about ... except for my grandmother (his mom). She was the reason he could never really "come out" ... which was sad. When he died in the 80s, my aunt told everyone us, and my Grandmother, it was cancer ... but I'm not sure that's true. He worked at "P1" in Munich and partied a lot ... he really was a party - queen. On one of my visits (I was 17) I met a couple of his friends ... his second family. They were all so nice and sweet to me ... and I learned a lot about my uncle from them.
Liz the Wanderer 3 years ago
I grew up a lesbian in the south 40 years ago. As I faced my "coming out", I searched so hard for role models, history, guidance on what was happening. There was none. I had an English teacher in 12th grade who was a lesbian, but could never be open. It would have cost her job. So I had to make it up as I went. Our official LGBT history begins at Stonewall in the 60s.. it's heartbreaking that we grow into ourselves without this American History that other, less hidden groups, have to guide us.
Tom Tom 2 years ago
PASSION LESBIAN AND GAY LOVE SPELLS .. . If you are a lesbian who is in love with a very dull partner, this is the love spell that you need. It may also be that your partner sometimes denies you sex. May be her love for you is slowly waning to the extent that she doesn't even want to move with you Do not give up What you need to do is to invoke passion in your relationship and everything will be done for you The spell will tum your lover on so that she can have animal passion It will make her more full of romantic fire You will notice the difference just immediately after this powerful love spell that works has been cast.. If you are still out there being a single lesbian or gay, feel free to contact Dr omobhude today...His capable of casting the followings spell.. 1.Lesbian love spell2.Gay love spell 3.instant death spell 4.money spell 5. Divorce spell You can reach him on email at dr.omobhude1@gmail.com or whatsapp him on +2349050360605..
Todd Hollfelder 3 years ago
Wow! What a story! It should be written in a small book and graduate into a movie... although for decencies sake, much would be deleted as homosexuality is still taboo (to an extent) in 2021.
Louise B 3 years ago
What an incredibly inspiring story, and the beautiful pictures really bring it to life. I will never understand why someone feels that they have the right to dictate who someone else can love. When you stop to think about it, it's madness! If consenting adults love each other, how does that affect anyone else's life? Why does anyone else think it's any of their business? In this case, their love brought a wonderful, unique, talented person into the world. How can that be wrong?
Sandy Rood 3 years ago
My mothers mother moved from her tiny town to marry a man her brothers picked for her. She insisted her BFF come with. She remained part of our family, always.
Nikki Sevven 3 years ago
What a fantastic, joyous, wonderful story! It was told so well that I now have images in my head of these amazing women and their uncompromising, elegant life.
Dolly_of TheCowboy 3 years ago (edited)
Many ladies engaged at the time of "The Great War" (WWI for those not familiar) whom lost their intended never re-partnered because "I could never love another man" but happily went on to love and live with other ladies instead. I know of a least a dozen "couples" of ladies that ended up living with another woman who had a similar loss and had used that as a cover to explain why they never re-partnered but lived safely. I do wonder how widespread it was for men and women of those times, whom had to marry, and were widowed early and then lived with "a friend" until they passed away
AzKhaleesi 3 years ago
That picture was / is absolutely stunning. I friggin love it and would love it for my collection (I love old photographs). And good on her for having TWO companions. There were sister wives before there were sister wives. hehe.
Kim Lorton 3 years ago
My fathers' youngest brother, was gay. He came out to his family, when he was in his early 20's. This was like 1960. Or, someone outed him. My father and his other 2 brothers were in the military, and they also had 3 sisters. My grandfather kicked him out of the family, forbid my grandmother to talk to him or mention his name. No one ever talked about him, or said his name. The last time I saw him I was 5 years old. He left and went to California, San Francisco, and hopefully found love and a family made of people who loved him back. He painted houses for a living. One of my cousins spoke with him several times. My family never spoke of him either. My poor grandmother, losing her baby , and never seeing him again. I had an uncle in the CIA, and he tracked him to Haight Ashbury, where he lived. He destroyed the report, as it was decided it was " best" my poor uncle, he was funny, gentle, great with kids, and had a huge heart. I am sad to say, his family didn't . Thank you.
Esther Evans 3 years ago
Does it happen often that the child of a gay person is also gay?? I'm not being rude, just genuinely curious...
Liz the Wanderer 3 years ago
I've researched this years ago. Male homosexuality is a common "family line" event. But yes. Could be because it's more accepted by GLBT parents. We tend to work hard to encourage our children to be themselves.
Load More Replies... Cori 3 years ago
Love is love and love is beautiful. I had a great aunt who was a lesbian. She wasn't talked about much and her sister, my grandmother, insisted that the 'live in companion' she had was 'just a friend.' She died of leukemia when I was very young and I only met her a couple of times. Those few times, however, are forever burned into my memory. She was SO much fun and beyond fascinating. She was a school teacher and adored children but never had any of her own. I wish I had had the chance to truly know her, but even more so, I wish my family hadn't been so ashamed of this wickedly smart, incredibly brave lady.
Pseudo Puppy 3 years ago
Best 10 minutes I've spent in a long time. Beautiful story. Beautiful lives. May we all be so lucky to find such love. May those in the LGBTI communities continue to have more equality, more acceptance; and may love be the only thing that is of importance moving forward. <3
Peter Christopher 3 years ago
Any man who can solve relationship problems is a Mini God, Lord Bubuza is a god on Earth. He has wiped my tears by restoring my Divorced marriage, my wife came to me one day and said she needs a divorce, She said she was in love with someone else and was tire of the marriage. she filed for a divorce and we left each other but I couldn't sleep, eat or drink, I was heartbroken and started seeking for help online, I saw different testimonies of people appreciating Lord Bubuza for helping them in restoring their relationship so I contacted Lord Bubuza on WHATSAPP: +1 505 569 0396, I told him my problems and he promise to help me with his spell. He said my wife will come back begging within 12 to 16 hours after he has finished the casting of the spell. I provide his requirement and did as he instructed. I was shocked when my wife came crying and begging me on her knees to forgive and accept her back. Lord Bubuza is a man of his word contact him for help via WhatsApp: +1 505 569 0396
Peter Christopher 3 years ago
Any man who can solve relationship problems is a Mini God, Lord Bubuza is a god on Earth. He has wiped my tears by restoring my Divorced marriage, my wife came to me one day and said she needs a divorce, She said she was in love with someone else and was tire of the marriage. she filed for a divorce and we left each other but I couldn't sleep, eat or drink, I was heartbroken and started seeking for help online, I saw different testimonies of people appreciating Lord Bubuza for helping them in restoring their relationship so I contacted Lord Bubuza on WHATSAPP: +1 505 569 0396, I told him my problems and he promise to help me with his spell. He said my wife will come back begging within 12 to 16 hours after he has finished the casting of the spell. I provide his requirement and did as he instructed. I was shocked when my wife came crying and begging me on her knees to forgive and accept her back. Lord Bubuza is a man of his word contact him for help via WhatsApp: +1 505 569 0396 or e-ma
N G 3 years ago (edited)
That is beautifully amazing. When my cousin came out he did so using selecting a new email domain @9bob (the phrase being "as bent as a 9 bob note" - not necessarily politically correct, but that was the world *he* had grown up in.) My nan, in her 90s, thought it was marvellous. The rest of the family took it completely in stride too - the main complaint being, not that he was gay, but that his new partner monopolized games night and could he not let someone else pick a game instead! (Apparently, this was overenthusiasm driven by nerves, and Bob (yes, that's his actual name!) settled down and actually became Nan's best friend before she passed.
Alloydog 3 years ago
Thank you Mr Miller, the word "throuple" was not even in my vocabulary until I read this. My browser's spell-checker has put a wiggly red line underneath word as I type this. I must now _right-click_ and select *Add t_o_ dictionary*.
birdie asf 3 years ago
they had an agreement going. it is stated, "leslie brought up the deal", insinuating that both sides were a part of this. don't worry
Load More Replies... birdie asf 3 years ago
they had an agreement going. it is stated, "leslie brought up the deal", insinuating that both sides were a part of this. don't worry
Load More Replies... birdie asf 3 years ago
homophobia in 2021, unfortunately pretty common. how does it effect you in any way at all if two women decide that they love each other? who are you to judge that? just admit you're worried that it'll decrease your chances of getting a woman, which are presumably low if this is how you treat people who are different from you.
Load More Replies...
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