Challenging Ageism: See and Be Seen Exhibition

How we are represented matters. Narrow, negative and stereotypical depictions of older people exclude and ‘other’ us and build an inaccurate picture of what we are capable of as we age.

Negative stereotypes become the cultural norm that feeds into ageism. As we are all ageing, this affects every single one of us. Ageism is prejudice against our future selves.

Members of Out In The City travelled to London to see the “Challenging Ageism: See and Be Seen” exhibition at Pop 1, The Now Building, next to Tottenham Court Road Station.

The exhibition features film and images from Centre for Ageing Better’s age-positive image library which focuses on celebrating the diversity that exists across older age groups.

The exhibition displays the hugely diverse experiences of ageing, alongside rich personal stories.

The photographs which can be seen here are not the highest quality as they were taken from the large screen.

Do You Recognise The Handsome Gays From These Vintage Photographs?

Do the gorgeous guys in those black andwhite portraits above look familiar to you? Any guesses?

Maybe if you saw them in quirky outfits doing a synchronised TikTok dance they might ring a bell?

That’s right! *ding, ding, ding* From left to right, it’s Jesse L Martin, Michael “Mick” Peterson, Bill Lyons and Robert E Reeves – also known as the social media stars, authors, and all-around inspirations known as The Old Gays. Of course, The Old Gays weren’t always old.

Decades before they were winning our hearts with their hilarious viral videos and candid stories from yesteryear, they were surely capturing attention with their good looks and suave style.

Some of these throwback pics recently resurfaced thanks to a delightful “Then & Now” post from photographer and author Maxwell Poth, who also shared a series of previously unreleased portraits of The Old Gays.

Poth – who released his debut book Young Queer America: Real Stories and Faces Of LGBTQ+ Youth last year – reveals he first took the photographs while working on a project with The Old Gays this past April.

Now, he’s finally sharing the original images along with the Gays’ vintage shots in order to spread a beautiful message about our gay elders:

“I find joy in working with and capturing the essence of seasoned queens – those who paved the way for us,” Poth writes in his caption. “Every queer person who came before me holds a special place in my heart, shaping the person I am today, whether they realise it or not.”

He continues: “It’s easy to overlook the entire generation missing from our gay culture, but those who are still with us carry countless stories within them. Taking the time to listen to their experiences is truly remarkable, and I am endlessly grateful for these moments.”

Amen to that! That’s why we can’t recommend The Old Gays’ book enough. The Old Gays’ Guide To The Good Life is filled with the wisdom – and, yes, the juiciest stories – that can only come from lives well lived.

Speaking of, the Guide To The Good Life came complete with even more throwback photos of The Old Gays, so, keeping with the spirit of Poth’s post, let’s take a few more trips down memory lane, shall we?

Scroll down below to see more way-back photographs – and way-way-back photographs – of each of The Old Gays that’ll warm your heart:

Jesse L Martin

Michael “Mick” Peterson

Bill Lyons

Robert E Reeves

And, if you haven’t seen it yet, check out this video with the Old Gays:

Trans Day of Visibility Archive Library Pop-Up

Thursday, 28March 11.00am – 1.00pm at Manchester Central Library

Immerse yourself in LGBTQ+ history at the pop-up exhibition to mark Trans Day of Visibility 2024, which will be acknowledged around the world on Sunday 31 March. Discover selected items from LGBT Foundation’s extensive archive collection, which illustrate the histories of trans communities in the region and beyond.

No booking needed, just come along to the library between 11.00am – 1.00pm. You can find us by the Glass Lifts on the Ground Floor.

This event has been produced by LGBT Foundation’s Pride in Ageing Programme.  For any questions about this event please email prideinageing@lgbt.foundation. No ticket required.