A new video illustrates just how far the gay community has come in the past few decades.
London Pride, in partnership with YouTubers Trent and Luke, has recorded a conversation between gay people of different generations. The video marks the 50th year since the United Kingdom's decriminalization of homosexuality.
In it, the 13-year-old Louis talks with the 78-year-old Percy about their vastly different experiences of coming out and being gay in different eras.
Percy remarked how it is "amazing" that Louis is out and also supported by his family and friends. "I don't think I would have told anybody," said the elder, who discussed how same-sex couples could be arrested in his youth. "You're so lucky the world has changed and you can just be yourself."
Percy also offered advice to Louis.
"Be true to yourself. Stand up for being gay and for actually trying to make people understand that the most important thing is that you can love somebody and it doesn't matter who they are," he said. "Whether it's a boy or a girl, love is love, and that's something which is enriching."
"Try to get people to think beyond their own immediate sphere so that we can all be, I can't think of a better word, neighbors in the world, and not be enemies," he concluded.
Watch their conversation below.
