Chrissie and Charlotte from Gibsonia, PA talk about their careers, retirement, forty years together and how discrimination affects their lives.

This video is part of a series of videos by Equality PA, SAGE and the Center for American Progress to be used in a statewide campaign to educate the public about nondiscrimination protections. Read more about the project here and share you story!

Reverend Debra Hopkins discusses becoming the full version of herself and learning to live an authentic life.

Jeff Mills discusses his marriage and the press around it.

Amber and Shellon from Pittsburgh talk about their family life and how lack of discrimination protections for gay and transgender people affects their lives. This video is part of a series of videos by Equality PA, SAGE and the Center for American Progress to be used in a statewide campaign to educate the public about nondiscrimination protections.

Karen and Jen from King of Prussia, PA talk about their family, faith, and their fear of discrimination against transgender people. This video is part of a series of videos by Equality PA, SAGE and the Center for American Progress to be used in a statewide campaign to educate the public about nondiscrimination protections.

Gwendolyn discusses faith and how her relationship with God connects to members of the LGBT community.

Easter discusses discovering sexual identity and what it means to be true to herself.

Reverend Dawn Flynn shares her journey on coming out to her son as a transwoman.

Timothy (50) explains how he tackled substance abuse in the midst of ridicule from society regarding his sexual identity. This story comes from The Freedom Center for Social Justice.

Reverend Nelson Johnson explains how he created a coalition of Pastors in order to fight Proposition 1.

Jeanne talks about how different it is living in North Carolina compared to her former home in Connecticut. “I am not anywhere near as out as I used to be.” This video is from our SAGE Wilmington affiliate. 

Six years ago Ann and Carol celebrated their 20th anniversary by getting married at Niagara Falls. Despite being nervous about going to the courthouse they found that Canadians were very welcome. Ann was moved by the “opportunity” to be married and she wanted to be able to tell her grandkids that they took advantage of that forward moving opportunity. “We didn’t waste any time getting that done!” Thinking that marriage equality would not arrive in their lifetimes, Ann and Carol were surprised to see marriage quality arrive in North Carolina. This video is from our SAGE Wilmington affiliate.

Alana shares the rewards and challenges of leaving the San Francisco Bay area, where she and her partner Sande were among the pioneers of LGBT human rights advocacy in organizations like the Lyon Martin Women's Clinic, as they embrace the needs and resources of the Wilmington Cape Fear Coast. This video is from our SAGE Wilmington affiliate.

Bob describes how, “after living quietly” he and others began to organize and advocate in response to local churches rejected members of the LGBT community. This video is from our SAGE Wilmington affiliate.

Ed and Jeff met 23 year ago at a dance party. Both HIV+, they moved from San Francisco to Wilmingtonto retire close to family and for the beaches. After learning that a local church planned to ban LGBT people and people with LGBT family members, they sprang into action—picketing the church and becoming involved in the activist community. This video is from our SAGE Wilmington affiliate.

Steve shares a story about a homophobic incident with his university president which led to a discrimination lawsuit that he won.

Sandy dissects how labels did not define her life.

Jeff shares not being able to come out to the people at work out of fear of discrimination.

Paul shares his story about being fired from two separate jobs in the medical field because he is gay.

Stephen tells his story about joining the Navy and having to hide his sexuality. He was able to come out in San Diego, and shares how the world has changed since Don't Ask, Don't Tell.

Jodi reflects over discrimination in the work place.

Earl describes his community activism as a "discrimination buster", which began as a response to bullying during his childhood, but has since become a personal calling that has been rewarding to him. This video is from our SAGE Wilmington affiliate. 

Denny shares a story about their gender journey, going into the Army, and retiring to the Gayborhood in Philadelphia. This video is from our affiliate, SAGE Philadelphia.

Stephen shares his story about joining the navy, coming out in San Diego, and how the world has changed since Don't Ask, Don't Tell. This video is from our affiliate, SAGE Philadelphia.

Elizabeth shares a story about coming into her authentic self in a house full of lesbians. This video is from our affiliate, SAGE Philadelphia.

Michael shares his story of discovering the writings of Issan Dorsey, becoming a Buddhist priest, and being a chaplain in the Philadelphia Federal Detention Center. This video is from our affiliate, SAGE Philadelphia.

Mona describes her journey of discovery that led to living an authentic life. This story comes from The Freedom Center for Social Justice.

Sherry relives coming out to her family and their initial reaction. This story comes from The Freedom Center for Social Justice.

Jeff (65) shares his struggle with the conflict between his homosexuality and church teachings, finding happiness later in life with his husband. This video is from our affiliate, SAGE Western Pennsylvania at the Persad Center.

Chrissie (64) worked for nearly 35 for a global accounting firm. It was only in the final 6 years at her job that she found a more welcoming environment after workplace policies and support systems were improved. This story was collected from a program from the Western Pennsylvania SAGE at PERSAD CENTER.

Dawn (65) re-lives her transition into womanhood, and the challenges she faced in the workplace. This story comes to SAGE from the The Freedom Center for Social Justice.

Brian (50) explains how a traumatic event in his early childhood shaped his experiences while navigating the world as a gay man in adulthood. This story comes from The Freedom Center for Social Justice.

Mike (67) describes the various reactions family members had to his coming out and his interracial relationship. This video is from our affiliate, SAGE Western Pennsylvania at the Persad Center.

Don (67) shares his journey of recreating his life and how an AIDS diagnosis changed his future. This video is from our affiliate, SAGE Western Pennsylvania at the Persad Center.

Bonnie (54) describes her journey of discovery and acceptance as a lesbian and mother. This story comes from The Freedom Center for Social Justice.

Mary Dean (78) explains how not dealing with her lesbian identity contributed to a problem with alcohol, and how therapy and recovery turned her life around. This video is from our affiliate, SAGE Western Pennsylvania at the Persad Center.

Mary explains how coming out as a lesbian late in her life came as a shock to her children. This story comes from The Freedom Center for Social Justice.

Gwen (66) gives insight on the best way to incorporate your lifestyle and partner into your child's life. This story comes from The Freedom Center for Social Justice.

Dee Jay shares the traumas of bullying and rejection during his school days and his path to coming out and self-acceptance. This video is from our affiliate, SAGE Western Pennsylvania at the Persad Center.

Chrissie (64) and Charlotte (62) reflect on 40 years together and the challenges and efforts of seeking acceptance from family and friends. This video is from our affiliate, SAGE Western Pennsylvania at the Persad Center.

Debbie (59) describes her extensive work in HIV patient care and the LGBTQ community over the years. This story comes from The Freedom Center for Social Justice.

Mykal (51) describes his transition into manhood, and the new truths he discovered about himself. This story comes from The Freedom Center for Social Justice.

Kathi shares how her life was permanently impacted when her mother learned of her same-sex attraction at an early age.

Debra (58) describes how she came out as transgender to her church congregation, and the unconditional love she received from her son. This story comes from The Freedom Center for Social Justice.

“They were using trumped up charges to cut his hand off because he was gay”!

Saralyn describes never facing discrimination, but knowing a college partner that was fired for being an out Lesbian.

Darryl shares getting fired for being openly out at work.

Roger describes how avoiding discrimination at work meant being out to only a small handful of co-workers.

Jerry did not envision herself in the corporate real estate world, until she finally found a safe work place.

Jim reveals a shocking story about visiting New Mexico with his wife.

John shares his story about coming out in a big city and then later on finding a healing place in the quiet setting of Nantucket.  This story comes from our SAGE Philadelphia affiliate.

Marilyn tells about facing a threatening, anonymous letter that almost resulted in losing a job.

“My Mother said that someone had told her I was queer!"

Greg shares his story of coming out and losing his family, community and employment. Despite these setbacks, he found community in Wilmington, North Carolina and is building his own circle of family.

John talks about his children and how they are very important to him. Both his daughter and son accepted his coming out as a gay man when he was 40 (John was 64 at the time of filming in December of 2013) and are still very supportive.

John shares his story about how his gay identity influenced his decision to work in the early computer field and how he still had to hide being gay in order not to be fired.

John remembers the social reinforcement of invisibility that marked his coming out experience in the South, contrasted with the commitment to activism that is the norm for his current life on the Wilmington Cape Fear Coast. This video is from our SAGE Wilmington affiliate.

Barb and Ann discuss how they became activists in the quest for same gender marriage and how it changed their lives, including appearing in national and international news media. This video was created by our SAGE Raleigh affiliate.

Vince describes his upbringing in a very conservative family and how hiding has sexuality has impacted his entire life. This video was created by our SAGE Raleigh affiliate.

Dick (70) shares the lasting emotional impact of family discrimination at a sensitive time. This video is from our affiliate, SAGE Western Pennsylvania at the Persad Center.

Ken tells of how he and his partner became activists in the Wilmington community and started their own church to educate and accept all people -- LGBT and straight.

John talks about his lifelong attempt to suppress his sexuality, and his search for a religious community that would not reject him once he found the strength to come out of the closet. This video was created by our SAGE Raleigh affiliate.

J, a gender con-conforming person, talks about being part of a church panel devoted to discussing faith, and how it might relate to the transgender experience. Within a short period of time J stirs up emotions from those attending, bordering on the threatening, while trying to explain their gender identity. This video was created by our SAGE Raleigh affiliate.

James discusses his relationship with the Jewish religion and how he was received when he came out to the rabbi of an orthodox congregation. This video was created by our SAGE Raleigh affiliate.

Dave had a career in education where he feared that being outed could jeopardize his job. The acceptance and support of friends, family and his church gave him comfort. This video is from our affiliate, SAGE Western Pennsylvania at the Persad Center.

Linda talks about encountering homophobia in North Carolina after moving back home with her partner and how she became involved in social justice and equality.

Jeanne talks about her transition out of the convent and into a marriage with her partner of 18 years. This video was created by our SAGE Raleigh affiliate.

Due to the fact Kenny did not want to appear on camera, this story is a narration with a photograph. Kenny relates how he was belittled by a superior at work because he was gay, and what he perceives to be the cause. This video was created by our SAGE Raleigh affiliate,

Due to the fact that John did not want to be on video, this piece features a photograph of John and a narration. He relates his journey in the military as a closeted gay man, and how much things have changed, especially after the repeal of "don't ask, don't tell.” This piece was created by our SAGE Raleigh affiliate.

Diane relates what it means to be legally married and how it felt to move from a state that recognized same gender marriage to one that didn't at the time. Over the last 6 months that situation has changed. This video was created by our SAGE Raleigh affiliate.

Sonja tells us how she developed her first relationship with a woman and how after she shared her relationship status, feared for her life and that of her partner.

Mona knew at a very young age that she liked girls and after a teacher admonished her, she realized that it was “wrong” and hid her attraction. She eventually married a man, which she later divorced, and eventually managed to come out slowly, despite her fear of rejection.

Dawn tells of how she knew she didn't belong in her male body as a child and how she surpressed that by getting married twice and having children. Eventually, she lost everything and realized that she needed to embrace herself and was able to finally find acceptance and peace.

Gwen shares her thoughts on coming out and how she alienated friends and her religious community for a long time.

Frances tells us how being a lesbian was difficult, but how she is now happy with her spouse and life.

Brian talks about growing up and coming out with respect and support by most of his family members, but how in college he had some difficulty with labeling.

Barry shares how he felt different growing up in the South because of his feelings for men and how he had to hide his sexuality.

CJ tells us how as the only living female in her family, she was expected to get married and have babies. She describes how she did get married, but it didn't work out and after a divorce, she was able to eventually come out.

Les G. (63) shares how the ending of a relationship led him to feel isolated and alone until he decided to change his life and continue to go out and meet people. 

Harry tells us when he realized he was gay in college and the anxiety and self-loathing it caused him. After a visit to the campus psychiatrist, he buried his feelings and ended up married with a family. 50 years later, he was finally able to come out and feel more comfortable with his sexuality and found a community who accepted him.

Lorraine (51) shares her story about being a bisexual and feeling marginalized in the LGBT community.

Rachael (73) tells us how she struggled growing up with the desire to dress as a female and eventually decided to make the change to transition. Her story is that of her relationship with her family and how it is strained because of her being transgender.

Les (54) shares how he is both gay and part of a strong religious community that has helped him feel less isolated in his life.

While secretly dating man in rural county in NC, Paul is confronted with the possibility of being outed, which he believes would ruin his reputation and cause his patients to leave his dental practice. His journey from living in the closet to wanting to be “brave and a role model” involves the church organist, his hairdresser, and a patient with a big question.  

One day in the 1970’s Brad (51) walked across his college campus at mid-day holding hands with the man he loved. Was there name calling? Pointing? Stone throwing? Find out how this incident and the reaction of his mother and college friends to the news that he was gay, gave Brad a kind of armor for his later encounters with homophobia. 

Although he had known he was gay since he could remember, it wasn’t until after he married his female best friend and had three children that Glen (56) came out to his colleagues at his medical practice. Right after coming out to his co-worker, Glen finds himself in the office of his boss, whom he has heard use an anti-gay slur, and his boss is asking him, “What’s going on? Why are you so nervous?”  

Grieving and widowed after a 40-year heterosexual marriage, John finds himself not caring if he lived or died. His 26-month journey from suicidal and abusing alcohol to sober and happy to be alive is also a journey of bravery, friendship, community, and acceptance. As John (67) puts it, “the advantage of coming out late in life is that after knowing you for 40 years, people can’t reject you based on one new piece of information.”

Thom (71) learned that his uncle, a well-regarded professor and fellow veteran, was gay when Thom was 60 and his uncle was 80. Thom recalls that his uncle was fascinated by the idea that the day might come when gays could serve openly in the military.   

Years later, when his uncle was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s, Thom arranged for 24-hour care. Thom always disclosed to the caretakers that both he and his uncle were gay and eight years passed without incident, that is until one caregiver decided that Thom’s uncle was “in jeopardy of his salvation.” What Thom learned in the investigation that followed is a harrowing example of how the people who care for our LGBT elders can do great harm and, conversely, how loving and accepting caregivers can save a man’s life. 

Teresa talks about why paid leave is an important issue for the LGBT community.

Charles talks about losing and finding the loves of his life.

Geo, a SAGE constituent, talks about why paid leave is necessary for all people in order to be healthy and stay in the workforce.

Frans tells the story of how Hurricane Sandy destroyed his garden apartment and how he had to overcome his loss.

Dino and Lou talk about coming out and their relationship, as well as the importance of being activists in the LGBT movement.

Gary and Ose talk about why marriage equality became an important issue for them and why they married.

Matilde and Bronwyn talk about the hardships of being a couple without immigration benefits and why marriage equality is important to them.

George Stewart, a SAGE Harlem constituent, shares his life story and becomes a White House Champion of Change for LGBT issues.

Ruth Debra from the SAGE Golden Rainbow Center talks about the issues surrounding ageism at the 2010 SAGE National Constituent Conference.

Bobby and Ron's story highlights the issues facing LGBT older adults with regards to benefits and spousal impoverishment issues.

Jeanine, a home-bound senior, shares her story about living alone with her dog and finding happiness with a SAGE Friendly Visitor.

Chris Lennon talks about being gay in the Navy.

Rosita talks about all the different facets of her life, how they affect her in her later years and the importance of SAGE. 

Evie talks about coming out to her parents and how they did not accept her.

Carole talks about why marriage equality is important to her and the LGBT community as a whole.

Cheryl and Elizabeth tell of how they met and how their faith in religion, and each other, keep them connected.

Delores Miller tells of her experience of living in a shelter and not knowing where she will live because of the laws governing succession rights in 2010.

Barbara Genton from SAGE Upstate New York talks about coming out of the closet after being diagnosed with breast cancer and how she is now an activist.

Joanne Borden from SAGE Long Island talks about how she became an transgender advocate for purely selfish reasons at the 2010 SAGE National Constituent Conference.

Lynette talks about the murder of her friend Talana, a lesbian who wasn't allowed a burial in any of the local churches, and how her death spurred her to come out of the closet and become a local activist.

Sherry talks about always being attracted to girls, but having to marry a man because of society's expectations. Eventually, she was able to come out and find herself.

Debbie tells us how she conformed to fulfill society's expections because she knew that liking other girls wasn't acceptable and felt alone until she became an advocate for the AIDS movement