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{{Infobox TikTok personality|followers=10.9 million|likes=217.8 million|stats_update=10 August 2023|page_display_name=The Old Gays|page=oldgays}} |
{{Infobox TikTok personality|followers=10.9 million|likes=217.8 million|stats_update=10 August 2023|page_display_name=The Old Gays|page=oldgays}} |
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'''The''' '''Old Gays''' are a group of five gay social media personalities and LGBT rights activists.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Italie|first=Leanne|date=2021-09-02|title=Social media's 70-up 'grandfluencers' debunking aging myths|url=https://apnews.com/article/technology-lifestyle-arts-and-entertainment-media-social-media-ad807323409a8a0065fcd58e3f710eca|access-date=2021-11-08|website=Associated Press|language=en}}</ref> The group consists of Robert Reeves (born October 28, 1943), Michael "Mick" Peterson (born 1956), Bill Lyons (born May 18, 1944), Jessay Martin (born July 31, 1953) and Joc Anderson.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.facebook.com/OldGays/videos/happy-birthday-jessay-/212890936766741/|title=Old Gays on Facebook Watch|access-date=19 April 2022|website=Facebook.com}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.today.com/today/amp/tdna224076|title = Viral stars the Old Gays on their newfound fame, coming out and the next LGBTQ generation|website=Today.com| date=29 June 2021 }}</ref> At the time of their formation, their age range was from mid-60s to late 70s. They are the subject of an upcoming unscripted docuseries produced by Brian Graden Media.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Wakefield|first=Lily|date=2021-11-06|title=Social media icons the Old Gays to star in their own docuseries|url=https://www.pinknews.co.uk/2021/11/06/social-media-icons-the-old-gays-to-star-in-their-own-docuseries/|access-date=2021-11-08|website=PinkNews.co.uk|language=en-GB}}</ref> |
'''The''' '''Old Gays''' are a group of five gay social media personalities and LGBT rights activists.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Italie|first=Leanne|date=2021-09-02|title=Social media's 70-up 'grandfluencers' debunking aging myths|url=https://apnews.com/article/technology-lifestyle-arts-and-entertainment-media-social-media-ad807323409a8a0065fcd58e3f710eca|access-date=2021-11-08|website=Associated Press|language=en}}</ref> The group consists of Robert Reeves (born October 28, 1943), Michael "Mick" Peterson (born May 22, 1956), Bill Lyons (born May 18, 1944), Jessay Martin (born July 31, 1953) and Joc Anderson.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.facebook.com/OldGays/videos/happy-birthday-jessay-/212890936766741/|title=Old Gays on Facebook Watch|access-date=19 April 2022|website=Facebook.com}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.today.com/today/amp/tdna224076|title = Viral stars the Old Gays on their newfound fame, coming out and the next LGBTQ generation|website=Today.com| date=29 June 2021 }}</ref> At the time of their formation, their age range was from mid-60s to late 70s. They are the subject of an upcoming unscripted docuseries produced by Brian Graden Media.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Wakefield|first=Lily|date=2021-11-06|title=Social media icons the Old Gays to star in their own docuseries|url=https://www.pinknews.co.uk/2021/11/06/social-media-icons-the-old-gays-to-star-in-their-own-docuseries/|access-date=2021-11-08|website=PinkNews.co.uk|language=en-GB}}</ref> |
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== History == |
== History == |
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John Bates, a younger gay man who moved into a separate bedroom in November 2016, tried to liven up the household to no avail before getting into a relationship with [[Logo TV]] producer Ryan Yezak at a gay bar down the street the following February. Initially perplexed that Bates lived with "a bunch of old farts," Yezak grew to appreciate the group after initially meeting Reeves and Peterson, who were completely nude.<ref name=":0" /> |
John Bates, a younger gay man who moved into a separate bedroom in November 2016, tried to liven up the household to no avail before getting into a relationship with [[Logo TV]] producer Ryan Yezak at a gay bar down the street the following February. Initially perplexed that Bates lived with "a bunch of old farts," Yezak grew to appreciate the group after initially meeting Reeves and Peterson, who were completely nude.<ref name=":0" /> |
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While getting stoned, Reeves grew interested in a [[Gen-Z]] catchphrase used by the younger couple, prompting them to record the older group trying to decipher Gen-Z slang.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yNGqlXU3r0w|title=Old Gays Try New Gay Slang|publisher=Grindr|website=YouTube|date=May 22, 2018|access-date=December 3, 2023}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Bollinger |first=Alex |date=September 16, 2019 |title=The old gays try Grindr for the first time & they're not shy. At all. |url=https://www.lgbtqnation.com/2019/09/old-gays-try-grindr-first-time-theyre-not-shy/ |url-status= |access-date=2021-11-08 |website=LGBTQ Nation}}</ref> Upon noticing the organic comedy and chemistry between the three, Bates and Yezak officially rebadged them as the "Old Gays" and uploaded the video to [[YouTube]].<ref name=":0" /> |
While getting stoned, Reeves grew interested in a [[Gen-Z]] catchphrase used by the younger couple, prompting them to record the older group trying to decipher Gen-Z slang.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yNGqlXU3r0w|title=Old Gays Try New Gay Slang|publisher=Grindr|website=YouTube|date=May 22, 2018|access-date=December 3, 2023}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Bollinger |first=Alex |date=September 16, 2019 |title=The old gays try Grindr for the first time & they're not shy. At all. |url=https://www.lgbtqnation.com/2019/09/old-gays-try-grindr-first-time-theyre-not-shy/ |url-status= |access-date=2021-11-08 |website=LGBTQ Nation}}</ref> Upon noticing the organic comedy and chemistry between the three, Bates and Yezak officially rebadged them as the "Old Gays" and uploaded the video to [[YouTube]], where it became an immediate hit.<ref name=":0" /> |
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The group soon expanded once Martin discussed the video with Reeves and handed over his business card once Reeves explained that they were "looking for some diversity" after Yezak believed that the group was too white. But shortly after Martin officially joined the group, Peterson suffered a seizure of unknown origin and had to be rushed to a nearby hospital for a neurosurgical operation on his left eye, which had a giant bleeding gash from a shattered mirror.<ref name=":0" /> |
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The video was an immediate hit to audiences, though Yezak did note a distinct lack of diversity amongst the group. This was swiftly remedied when Martin spoke with Reeves about the video and handed over his business card without persuasion.<ref name=":0" /> |
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Peterson returned to Reeves' home after recovering in an assisted living facility, though his health continued to worsen to the point where he overdosed on [[gabapentin]] and was rushed back to the hospital. After another stint in assisted living, Peterson decided to move to a nearby [[motel]] until his 64th birthday, when he returned to Reeves' home and gradually became healthy again.<ref name=":0" /> |
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== Online Presence == |
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==== Old Lesbians ==== |
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| ⚫ | The group |
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During the time of Peterson's health crisis, Yezak worked on a series of videos with a group of similarly aged [[Lesbian|lesbians]]: Belita Edwards, Phyllis Rose-Child and Sable Boruff.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tMGSHUFID_8|title=Old Lesbians Try New Lesbian Slang|publisher=Grindr|website=YouTube|date=June 28, 2018|access-date=December 11, 2023}}</ref> While the Old Lesbians weren't as viral as their male counterparts, the two groups did collaborate for a video<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q-VylJGk4SU|title=Old Gays & Old Lesbians React To American Horror Story|publisher=Grindr|website=YouTube|date=September 1, 2021|access-date=December 11, 2023}}</ref> promoting and reacting to [[American Horror Story]]. |
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| ⚫ | The group was later expanded after Joc Anderson, Martin's longtime friend and a [[psychologist]] from nearby [[Rancho Mirage]], first appeared in a video dancing to [[Shania Twain|Shania Twain's]] [[Man! I Feel Like a Woman!]] alongside Twain, Lyons, Martin and Justin Fuko on June 30, 2023. Anderson officially joined the group the following August after filling in for Reeves, who had been hospitalized with a [[urinary tract infection]].<ref>{{cite podcast|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tyUb4ref_hXDIgY|title=Old Gays on Coming Out, Hook-Up Stories, and More|website=YouTube|publisher=Retirement House Podcast}}</ref> |
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=== 2018-Present: Online Success === |
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| ⚫ | The group became a viral sensation in March 2021, gaining millions of followers from daily [[TikTok]] videos filmed at Reeves' house.<ref name=":1" /><ref>{{Cite web|last=Kacala|first=Alexander|date=November 5, 2021|title=The 'Old Gays' are getting their own docuseries|url=https://www.nbcnews.com/nbc-out/out-pop-culture/old-gays-are-getting-docuseries-rcna4620|access-date=2021-11-08|website=NBC News|language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|last=Ermac|first=Raffy|date=2021-06-16|title=The Old Gays Sharing Their Coming Out Journeys Gives Us So Much Hope|url=https://www.out.com/lifestyle/2021/6/16/old-gays-sharing-their-coming-out-journeys-gives-us-so-much-hope|access-date=2021-11-08|website=Out.com|language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|last=Henderson|first=Taylor|date=2019-05-28|title=Old Gays Reminiscing Over Past Lovers Will Warm Your Heart|url=https://www.pride.com/lovesex/2019/5/28/old-gays-reminiscing-over-past-lovers-will-warm-your-heart|access-date=2021-11-08|website=Pride.com|language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|last=Kacala|first=Alexander|date=June 29, 2021|title=How 4 gay seniors became social media stars for their humor and heart|url=https://www.today.com/popculture/meet-old-gays-going-viral-tiktok-their-humor-heart-t224076|access-date=2021-11-08|website=Today.com|language=en}}</ref> Their popularity would later hit the [[Mainstream media|mainstream]] with appearances on [[The Drew Barrymore Show|Drew Barrymore]] and [[The Today Show]], collaborations with [[Netflix]], [[T-Mobile]] and [[Rhianna]]'s [[Savage X Fenty]], and the 44th spot on [[Forbes]]' 2022 Top Creators list.<ref name=":0" />. |
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| ⚫ | The group was later expanded after Joc Anderson, Martin's longtime friend and a [[psychologist]] from nearby [[Rancho Mirage]], first appeared in a video dancing to [[Shania Twain|Shania Twain's]] [[Man! I Feel Like a Woman!]] alongside Twain, Lyons, Martin and Justin Fuko on June 30, 2023. Anderson officially joined the group the following August after filling in for Reeves, who had been hospitalized with a [[urinary tract infection]].<ref>{{cite podcast|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tyUb4ref_hXDIgY|title=Old Gays on Coming Out, Hook-Up Stories, and More|website=YouTube|publisher=Retirement House Podcast}}</ref>. |
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== Personal lives == |
== Personal lives == |
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Revision as of 05:15, 11 December 2023
| Old Gays | |
|---|---|
| TikTok information | |
| Page | |
| Followers | 10.9 million |
| Likes | 217.8 million |
Last updated: 10 August 2023 | |
The Old Gays are a group of five gay social media personalities and LGBT rights activists.[1] The group consists of Robert Reeves (born October 28, 1943), Michael "Mick" Peterson (born May 22, 1956), Bill Lyons (born May 18, 1944), Jessay Martin (born July 31, 1953) and Joc Anderson.[2][3] At the time of their formation, their age range was from mid-60s to late 70s. They are the subject of an upcoming unscripted docuseries produced by Brian Graden Media.[4]
History
1980s-2017: Background
Robert Reeves grew up attending a rural Southern Baptist church in Arkansas.[5][6] He moved to San Francisco and befriended Bill Lyons in the 1980s while city planning a baseball stadium in the SOMA neighborhood, where Lyons served as the general manager for an interior design showroom.[7]
Reeves moved to Cathedral City to focus on making art while Lyons lived with his partner on a houseboat in Sausalito for 16 years before being unceremoniously dumped in 1996 and forced to borrow money from his parents.[6] After heavy drinking, Lyons had outpatient therapy for bipolar disorder at Langlery Porter Psychiatric Hospital and chose to be abstinent for 10 years because he couldn't trust men, before reconnecting with Reeves in 2003.
After losing his house from the Great Recession, Lyons was able to move to a HUD-owned apartment and worked as a cleaner for Reeves, who was forced to file for bankruptcy until two gay men bought $16,000 worth of art from his Laguna Beach gallery.[8] To help cover his bills, Reeves transformed his garage into a living space and rented out his three bedrooms on Craigslist.
Reeves' first and only constant tenant was Michael "Mick" Peterson, who left his Christian family from rural Texas to become a gay bodybuilder in San Francisco and Los Angeles.[7][8][9] Peterson took the master bedroom with private bath after a sexual encounter with Reeves.[5]
Jessay Martin, a devout Seventh-Day Adventist Christian who grew up in Greenville, Tennessee and became a florist and gospel singer from Los Angeles, moved across the street from Reeves and Peterson in 2015,[7][8][10] Despite attending his first West Hollywood pride event in 1982, Martin was oblivious to the activities at Reeves' home until things became uncharacteristically quiet.[5]
2016-2018: Formation
John Bates, a younger gay man who moved into a separate bedroom in November 2016, tried to liven up the household to no avail before getting into a relationship with Logo TV producer Ryan Yezak at a gay bar down the street the following February. Initially perplexed that Bates lived with "a bunch of old farts," Yezak grew to appreciate the group after initially meeting Reeves and Peterson, who were completely nude.[5]
While getting stoned, Reeves grew interested in a Gen-Z catchphrase used by the younger couple, prompting them to record the older group trying to decipher Gen-Z slang.[11][12] Upon noticing the organic comedy and chemistry between the three, Bates and Yezak officially rebadged them as the "Old Gays" and uploaded the video to YouTube, where it became an immediate hit.[5]
The group soon expanded once Martin discussed the video with Reeves and handed over his business card once Reeves explained that they were "looking for some diversity" after Yezak believed that the group was too white. But shortly after Martin officially joined the group, Peterson suffered a seizure of unknown origin and had to be rushed to a nearby hospital for a neurosurgical operation on his left eye, which had a giant bleeding gash from a shattered mirror.[5]
Peterson returned to Reeves' home after recovering in an assisted living facility, though his health continued to worsen to the point where he overdosed on gabapentin and was rushed back to the hospital. After another stint in assisted living, Peterson decided to move to a nearby motel until his 64th birthday, when he returned to Reeves' home and gradually became healthy again.[5]
Old Lesbians
During the time of Peterson's health crisis, Yezak worked on a series of videos with a group of similarly aged lesbians: Belita Edwards, Phyllis Rose-Child and Sable Boruff.[13] While the Old Lesbians weren't as viral as their male counterparts, the two groups did collaborate for a video[14] promoting and reacting to American Horror Story.
2018-Present: Online Success
The group became a viral sensation in March 2021, gaining millions of followers from daily TikTok videos filmed at Reeves' house.[6][15][16][17][18] Their popularity would later hit the mainstream with appearances on Drew Barrymore and The Today Show, collaborations with Netflix, T-Mobile and Rhianna's Savage X Fenty, and the 44th spot on Forbes' 2022 Top Creators list.[5].
The group was later expanded after Joc Anderson, Martin's longtime friend and a psychologist from nearby Rancho Mirage, first appeared in a video dancing to Shania Twain's Man! I Feel Like a Woman! alongside Twain, Lyons, Martin and Justin Fuko on June 30, 2023. Anderson officially joined the group the following August after filling in for Reeves, who had been hospitalized with a urinary tract infection.[19].
Personal lives
Reeves was diagnosed with HIV in 1987.[6] Peterson is also HIV-positive and was also diagnosed with chronic CIDP in the late 2010s, both being treated with five-hour immunoglobulin infusions every other week.[5][6]
References
- ^ Italie, Leanne (2021-09-02). "Social media's 70-up 'grandfluencers' debunking aging myths". Associated Press. Retrieved 2021-11-08.
- ^ "Old Gays on Facebook Watch". Facebook.com. Retrieved 19 April 2022.
- ^ "Viral stars the Old Gays on their newfound fame, coming out and the next LGBTQ generation". Today.com. 29 June 2021.
- ^ Wakefield, Lily (2021-11-06). "Social media icons the Old Gays to star in their own docuseries". PinkNews.co.uk. Retrieved 2021-11-08.
- ^ a b c d e f g h i Peterson, Mick; Lyons, Bill; Reeves, Robert; Martin, Jessay (28 November 2023). The Old Gays Guide to the Good Life: Lessons Learned About Love and Death, Sex and Sin, and Saving the Best for Last. Harper Wave. p. 256. ISBN 978-0063333604. Retrieved 4 December 2023.
- ^ a b c d e Villarreal, Daniel (7 December 2022). ""The Old Gays" never thought they'd survive HIV, but now they're a viral sensation". LGBTQ Nation. Retrieved 2023-04-19.
- ^ a b c Patterson, Denny (2023-01-10). "The Old Gays Discuss Social Media Fame and Winning the Hearts of Millions". OUT FRONT. Retrieved 2023-04-19.
- ^ a b c "Out100 Cover Stars: TikTok's Old Gays Prove Life Starts After 65". www.out.com. Retrieved 2023-04-19.
- ^ Chapman, Rachel (16 June 2022). "The Old Gays Have The Wildest Pride Story (It Involves Edibles)". Elite Daily. Retrieved 2023-04-19.
- ^ Dunbar, Randy. "The Old Gays prove there are second acts". Desert Magazine. Retrieved 2023-04-19.
- ^ "Old Gays Try New Gay Slang". YouTube. Grindr. May 22, 2018. Retrieved December 3, 2023.
- ^ Bollinger, Alex (September 16, 2019). "The old gays try Grindr for the first time & they're not shy. At all". LGBTQ Nation. Retrieved 2021-11-08.
- ^ "Old Lesbians Try New Lesbian Slang". YouTube. Grindr. June 28, 2018. Retrieved December 11, 2023.
- ^ "Old Gays & Old Lesbians React To American Horror Story". YouTube. Grindr. September 1, 2021. Retrieved December 11, 2023.
- ^ Kacala, Alexander (November 5, 2021). "The 'Old Gays' are getting their own docuseries". NBC News. Retrieved 2021-11-08.
- ^ Ermac, Raffy (2021-06-16). "The Old Gays Sharing Their Coming Out Journeys Gives Us So Much Hope". Out.com. Retrieved 2021-11-08.
- ^ Henderson, Taylor (2019-05-28). "Old Gays Reminiscing Over Past Lovers Will Warm Your Heart". Pride.com. Retrieved 2021-11-08.
- ^ Kacala, Alexander (June 29, 2021). "How 4 gay seniors became social media stars for their humor and heart". Today.com. Retrieved 2021-11-08.
- ^ "Old Gays on Coming Out, Hook-Up Stories, and More". YouTube (Podcast). Retirement House Podcast.