THE UNITED NATIONS General Assembly officially declared March 1 as Zero Discrimination Day to promote diversity and inclusivity and to raise awareness about the need to eliminate discrimination in all its forms. The day is part of a global campaign to end discrimination and create a more equitable and just world for all. The day was established to promote equality and highlight the need for individuals and societies to uphold the principle of zero discrimination, which is based on the belief that everyone should be treated equally and with respect, regardless of race, gender, age, sexual orientation, or any other form of discrimination.
PRESIDENT JOE BIDEN’s landmark new federal protections for same-sex and interracial couples, cap both a personal and national evolution on an issue that’s enjoyed growing acceptance over the past decade. “Marriage is a simple proposition. Who do you love? And will you be loyal to that person you love?” Adding, “For most of our nation’s history, we denied same sex couples from these protections,” Now, this law requires an interracial marriage and same-sex marriage must be recognized as legal in every state in the nation.
The critically acclaimed “100 Years of Men in Love: The Accidental Collection” and its newly discovered imagery that is already reaching iconic stature, is a documentary focusing on a unique, moving and joy-filled collection of vintage photographs of men in love from the 1850s to the 1950s, taken when male partnerships were often illegal, the photos were found at flea markets, in shoe boxes, family archives, estate sales, and old suitcases. Directed by Emmy-winning actor-producer David Millbern, and with spoken words from curators Hugh Nini and Neal Treadwell, 100 Years of Men in Love: The Accidental Collection showcases the beauty of everlasting and universal love.
“100 Years of Men in Love” shines a light on some of that history through a selection of photographs collected by Hugh Nini and Neal Treadwell stumbled upon an old photograph of a gay couple by random and then turned it into their mission to discover more of pictures history tried to bury. As they found more and more, they realized some of these photographs dated back more than 100 years.
WHAT THE CRITICS ARE SAYING:
Under the direction of Emmy-winning David Millbern, the documentary celebrates a history of the love that dared not speak its name, and it does so with eloquence and charm, attitude and gratitude. — KDHX
It’s enlightening to behold. — SAN JOSE MERCURY NEWS
Is a valentine to queer romance and same-sex desire. — GAY CITY NEWS
Is an unparalleled archive of gay culture in America, not to mention a swooning ode to romance. — FILM THREAT
What a treasure trove! This amazing doc you cannot look away from for fear you will miss another glimpse into the lives of men who had to live in the shadow but, for a brief moment, decided to not hide who they were, for posterity. — EDGE MEDIA NETWORK
Fans and critics, both LGBTQ and not are now applauding director David Millbern for compiling this remarkable footage. “100 Years of Men in Love” is a landmark documentary-style film that sticks close to its title and central premise. Over the course of 57 minutes, we’re treated to various photographs of men expressing love for one another that dates back as far as 1850 and as recent as 1955.
Due to how gay couples have been treated over the course of human history, you can already tell how bold it would be for a couple to take a photograph with each other in an embrace during that time frame. The film, itself, works as a huge eye-opener to any naysayers and the current trend of anti-gay rhetoric that believe homosexuality is a more recent trend in human development. As clearly shown by these pictures, the film shows proof that same-sex dating back to the 1850s that gay men were living together in America and unafraid of showing their love in public.
Punctuated between certain photos are quotes from authors such as Walt Whitman and Henry David Thoreau that illustrate how love is universal. Regardless of gender identity or race, we as humans can fall in love with one another. We shouldn’t be imposing limits on our love when love is one of the strongest emotions we can give.
Those who experience “100 Years of Men in Love” are treated to a selection of moments that history couldn’t destroy. The love on display was so powerful, it outlived its subjects and went on to become a beacon of hope for others. “If that’s not the definition of true love, I’m not sure what else could be,” says Director and Producer, David Millbern.