How do you feel the symbol of the umbrella was significant between the 1860-1920s?
(NT/HN) The umbrella couples would be couples even without the umbrellas. Their expressions indicate that, however the umbrella seems to be an added declaration that they were in love. The modern-day symbol would be the wedding ring.
Why do you feel it is important to highlight the history of both same-sex and interracial relationships?
(NT/HN) It is important because male couples were never depicted as being in love with each other. They were routinely seen through a sexual lens, as criminals, or morally fallen in the eyes of religious leaders. This collection is the missing link to the history of understanding male, as well as female, couples.
Given the risk of many of these images being made public, how do you think many of these photographs were kept safe?
(NT/HN) We know that in the case of the American soldiers during WWII, one of the men kept the photographic mementos of their love in a shoe box, hidden in his closet, in a house he shared with his mother. If these photos had been discovered while they were serving in the military, they would have been dishonorably discharged. In 1992, fearing he was at the end of his life, he passed the shoebox, and the ring he was wearing in the Austrian Alps photo, on to someone he could trust. It was from that person that we acquired about 150 photos of this soldier and the soldier he was in love with. The "somebody" wears the ring every day in honor of this soldier.
What first encouraged you to get involved in this documentary?
(DM) As a kid growing up, I would rummage thru our family’s boxes and albums of old photos. I had found this one old tintype of two young, handsome men, sitting side by side, with their legs and arms crossed in towards each other. These guys were holding a sign that read, Bourbon Indiana 1908. My father was born in Bourbon in 1926. Come to find out one of the gentlemen was my great, great uncle. This picture always held such wonderment for me. Then I happened upon Hugh and Neal’s collection. It became crystal clear that these ancestors were just like me! I wanted to create a documentary that celebrated these courageous men who risked everything to capture their love and commitment.
The quotations highlighted throughout the documentary break up the imagery. As director, why did you make this choice?
(DM) I wanted to create an immersive, personal, experience as the viewer makes their journey thru this film. I feel these quotes from famous gay authors add yet another dimension. I purposely lingered on certain photos so that our audience can have the time to realize the relevance, at the time, fantasize, and celebrate these profound images. These men had the courage to love and the photos they leave behind are as important now as they were then. Their activism in their day, paved the way for the freedom we enjoy today.
