Hi, I'm Dave Isae founder of StoryCorps. Support for this podcast and the following message come from

Dignity Memorial. Did you know that planning your celebration of life in advance can protect your

family? Give your loved ones the best gift, peace of mind. For additional information, visit

DignityMemorial.com.

Hey folks, this is Max Young Rice from the StoryCorps podcast.

Just want to remind you that you can tell us your personal stories by calling our voicemail at 702-706 talk.

This week, we want you to tell us about the first moment you felt like you could be yourself.

That's 702-706, T-A-L-K.

Music That's 702-706, T-A-L-K. I'm Jasmine Morris, and it's the StoryCorps podcast from NPR, bringing you stories from our archive,

the largest collection of human voices ever gathered.

Do you remember what it was like when we were 19 and totally in love and couldn't tell

anyone? I do. We got married and we said, if you came to see the bride, you're out of luck. Do you

remember that? Yes, of course. It's Pride Month, and on this episode, recordings from LGBTQ folks

around the country and across generations.

There was an older man, and he would tell us what it was like to be gay in 1890 when he was 20.

He was responsible for making me proud of who I am.

This is the first time that we've ever talked about the fact that I'm gay.

Does it embarrass you to have a gay grandma? No. It just matters my relationship with you. You've made my life

complete. I could say the same thing to you. Our first story takes place 50 years ago in 1975, when Time Magazine featured an active member of the U.S. Air Force on its cover.

He's wearing his dress blues, looking straight into the camera. His rank of tech sergeant clearly displayed.

His awards and decorations pinned to his chest.

The headline was, I am a homosexual.

...