Sunday, August 05, 2007
Gay New York Couple Make News in The Gay Military Times
While I was at the reception for the Lambda Literary Awards held in New York City in 2005, I met Elmer Lokkins and Gus Archilla. Little did I know that their story is quite an intriguing one.
For one they have been together for 62 as of 2007. One wonders how many non-gays have stayed together that long. The other interesting aspect of their lives is that Elmer Lokkins a World War II veteran was awarded a Distinguished Unit Badge, an Asiatic Pacific Theater Ribbon with Two Bronze Battle Stars, a Philippine Liberation Ribbon with One Bronze Battle Star, and a Good Conduct Ribbon. These two aspects of their story dispel myths about gay folks: one, that they can't be loyal to each other; and, two, that they can't possibly be fit for the military.
Having met in New York in 1945, Elmer and Gus got married in Niagara Falls, Canada in 2003, after 58 years of living together.
They certainly represent a model for folks, gay or non-gay, as they have proven that the glue that is needed to bond folks is made of good communication and understanding as well as love.
To read a more detailed story of their lives by Denny Meyer editor of The Gay Military Times, click on the link below:
The Gay Military Times.com
For one they have been together for 62 as of 2007. One wonders how many non-gays have stayed together that long. The other interesting aspect of their lives is that Elmer Lokkins a World War II veteran was awarded a Distinguished Unit Badge, an Asiatic Pacific Theater Ribbon with Two Bronze Battle Stars, a Philippine Liberation Ribbon with One Bronze Battle Star, and a Good Conduct Ribbon. These two aspects of their story dispel myths about gay folks: one, that they can't be loyal to each other; and, two, that they can't possibly be fit for the military.
Having met in New York in 1945, Elmer and Gus got married in Niagara Falls, Canada in 2003, after 58 years of living together.
They certainly represent a model for folks, gay or non-gay, as they have proven that the glue that is needed to bond folks is made of good communication and understanding as well as love.
To read a more detailed story of their lives by Denny Meyer editor of The Gay Military Times, click on the link below:
The Gay Military Times.com
