Mike Balaban showcases his gay history through photos of friends on the beach.

Like many of us, gay historian Mike Balaban uses his Instagram account to memorialize moments from his life. But Balaban takes the photo-sharing app one step further and documents moments in LGBTQ+ history from his point of view. The 70-year-old with a knack for photography shares queer stories from locations around the world including gay tourist destinations like Fire Island, Mykonos and Rio de Janeiro.

Photo of Mike Balaban

In addition to posting photos online, he also writes detailed captions sharing stories from his gay past. From romantic partners to LGBTQ+ culture and his own sexuality, he isn’t afraid to be vulnerable and honest online.

Photo of Mike Balaban and Gary Matthews in Mykonos in 1985

Bammer and Me

Balaban identifies as demisexual, meaning he only feels sexually attracted to people he has an emotional connection with. This is a discovery he came across later in his life.

“As I’ve aged, as meaningless sex has become even less meaningful (after bedding 300? men along the way), and as erections have become less dependable regardless of my feelings for another man, the fact that I’ve always been demi-sexual, though trying to deny it, has become clearer.”

Related | 45 of the Gayest Moments in Sports History

He also story tells on his podcast, “Bammer and Me,” which focuses on LGBTQ+ experiences. You can scroll through some of Balaban’s photos and captions below. If you’d like to connect with Balaban on other platforms, click here.

Editor’s Note: To view the uncensored version of this article, click here. 

Photo by Mike Balaban, Atlanta 1991
Photo by Mike Balaban, Atlanta 1991
Photo by Mike Balaban, Atlanta 1991
Photo by Mike Balaban
Photo by Mike Balaban
Photo of Gary Matthews in Mykonos in 1985 by Mike Balaban
Photo of Mike Balaban and Gary Matthews in Mykonos in 1985
Photo of Mike Balaban and Gary Matthews in Mykonos in 1985
Phot by Mike Balaban

These Secret Vintage Photos Are Revealing Queer History by Rainbow Media Co.

Gay historian Mike Balaban is documenting decades of LGBTQ+ life, love, and liberation—one vintage snapshot at a time.

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