“I don’t miss diseases that are now preventable but killed people back then. I don’t miss thinking the world was going to end in an atomic bomb attack. I don’t miss segregation. But hey, at least I didn’t have to pay bills!”

Warning: This post mentions racism and anti-gay violence.

"Yes. But we also thought we were going to all die in a nuclear holocaust, and we had duck and cover drills in school. I miss penny candy, paper dolls, the big Hershey bar for 5 cents, Sugar Daddy caramel bars that would last a week. I miss toy irons that plugged in and heated to warm, so I could iron doll dresses made out of rayon. I miss playing outside until it gets dark. I miss every kid knowing every edible plant. But I don’t miss diseases that are now preventable, but killed people back then. I don’t miss thinking the world was going to end in an atomic bomb attack. I don’t miss segregation. But hey, at least I didn’t have to pay bills!"

Note: Responses have been edited for length/clarity.

If you or someone you know has experienced anti-LGBTQ violence or harassment, you can contact the National Coalition of Anti-Violence Programs hotline at 1-212-714-1141.

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