One couple’s first dance at a club in 1981 turned into a 43-year romance. Another found love through early AOL chat rooms and have been together for three decades.
And one devoted partner moved 1,300 miles across the country to be with his soulmate – they’ve now shared 20 years of life together.
These aren’t plot points from romantic comedies – these are real love stories from gay couples who defied the odds.
When I shared my story about still getting butterflies when my husband brings me coffee in bed after 20 years together, on our Facebook page, and how “the apps” don’t tell the whole story – something extraordinary happened.
Hundreds of gay couples came forward with their own tales of lasting love.
These aren’t just stories about meeting “the one” – they’re about building lives together, supporting each other through illness, celebrating quiet moments, and proving that love not only lasts but grows deeper with each passing year.
When You Least Expect It
“I was 28 and had lost all hope of a nice ending, let alone a happy one,” writes Mark about meeting Roger 36 years ago. “I flipped as soon as I saw him… The day I met him, it was like someone turned on a light. I could see so clearly for the first time. It was like oxygen. He brought me back to life. We just knew ❤️”
“I’m 61 and my husband is 62. We’ve been together for 23 years and legally married for 14 years!” Michael shares.
“Yeah, the apps are useful for some things, but true love can be found! It’s all better in person!”
“Met the man of my dreams 26 years ago. I was 42, he was 35,” shares Robert. “It wasn’t until I stopped hoping and realized I was happy just living my own life, and needing no one, that he popped up, and said….uh uh! You’re not done yet. “We married 3 years ago during the pandemic. Just us under a tree. Life will always surprise you.”
“I didn’t meet my special guy until I was 66,” Michael R. writes. “We had been high school classmates 50 years previously, both ended up retired in the same town, and reconnected through a mutual friend.
“We met for lunch and never said goodbye. We’ve been together almost 7 years, legally married almost 5 years.”
Decades of Devotion
“My husband and I just celebrated our 29th year together, 9 married legally,” TR shares.
“What an amazing journey. The journey is fantastic. We met on dial-up, AOL, well before apps. Our relationship has outlasted most of our straight friends and family. Lucky, but we work at it every year.”
“42 years together and my best friend,” writes Kimmey.
“We’ve had our ups and downs and some moments with thoughts of giving up. So glad we did not. More proud of making this relationship last than any other accomplishment in our life.”
“I’m 78 and my husband is 85. We’ve been together for 47 years now, and I can’t imagine and don’t even want to imagine life without him,” Larry shares.
“When we first met, he used to pamper me so much because I was his first experience, and he still does it today. We have been completely loyal to each other… We have only been legally married for 5 years and that was the happiest day of my life, and I hope we can make it to our 50th anniversary.”
“Let yourself be open to love,” writes Oscar.
“My husband, Gary, and I have been together 34 years. We are more in love now than ever! He is my soulmate. It can happen, if you want it and commit to it.”
The Little Things That Matter
John shares a simple truth about his 32-year relationship: “Give, take and live.”
“29 years together and 8 years married,” Rob writes. “Own a home and have 2 dogs. Life isn’t all excitement and going to the clubs. Sometimes it’s sitting quietly next to one another watching TV or looking up and seeing him smiling at you. And sometimes love happens when you least expect it.”
“I am 62 and hubby is 75. Together 32 years. Married for almost 10,” shares Tom. “He still waits in the driveway for me to get home from work since he is retired now. We love the time we get to spend together.”
Through Thick and Thin
“20 years together this January,” writes Brian.
“We actually met each other through Bear411. We lived 1,300 miles apart. We dated long distance for 1 1/2 years. I then uprooted myself and moved in with him in Florida. He’s been my rock when I’ve had major health issues and stood by me throughout my lengthy physical rehabilitation schedules.”
“18 years together, been through the ups and downs of life and shown incredible grace,” Rudi writes.
“Cancer and two major open heart surgeries. Each day is a precious new gift, being able to share your walk on this earth with someone who will instinctively see you standing in a crowd of thousands, who truly has your best interests at heart and who brings out the best in you, where you in return become best version of yourself – makes each new day a special blessing.”
“My husband and I celebrated our 45th anniversary in May,” writes Len. “Now I play nurse as he has been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s. Love all you can while you can.”
Forever Love
Stephen shares memories of his 25 years with his late husband in Western Australia: “We were the second gay male couple to be married in Western Australia. He used to say to me out of the blue ‘you know how much I love you’ and I’d still blush like a teenager. Miss him so!”
“When I told my mother I was gay she said to me, it doesn’t matter who you love. What matters is you love someone and that person loves you in return,” writes Paul.
“My true love just passed away after sharing that love for 45 years. My mother was so knowledgeable about life, thanks mom, I know you’re having a great reunion.”
These stories remind us that while apps and casual encounters might be part of modern gay life, they’re not the whole story.
Whether you meet through friends, at a club, online, or even reconnect with a high school classmate, love has a way of finding us when we’re ready. And when it does, it can last a lifetime.