In a time when LGBTQ+ people are facing so much persecution, reflecting on the struggles and successes of our queer elders is more important than ever. That’s why TikToker Christian Owens (@faultywiring0709) shared the inspiring journey of her grandmother — a life story that she thinks could be worthy of an Oscar-winning film.
“For those of you new here, meet me 90 year old gay Colombian grandma!” Owens wrote in her viral slideshow. “She was born June 1st, 1934 in Colombia, South America. Her mom abandoned her so my grandma was raised by nuns in a convent until she was 18 which is when she immigrated to the United States.”
“She taught herself English, put herself through nursing and dental hygienist school, and worked 2 jobs,” Owens continued.
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“Older gay men who lived through the plague and lost ALL of their friends deserve this moment in gay pop.”
That’s when the story of Owens’ grandmother’s lavender marriage began. “My grandmother loved dancing and decided to go to a gay club in West Hollywood in 1953 where she met who would become my grandfather,” she wrote. “They became best friends immediately. They danced and talked all night. They confided in each other that they were both gay.”
“About a year later my grandmother said they should get married so they could protect each other and were best friends anyway, he agreed,” Owens continued. “During their lavender marriage my grandmother fought hard for my grandfather and all gay men.”
That included going out of her way as a nurse to provide comfort to dying gay men at the height of the AIDS crisis in the ‘80s, marching in Pride parades, protesting in Washington D.C., and more.
“They were together 63 years until he passed and she took care of him every day of the 3 years he was in the nursing home and was laying beside him holding him as he took his last breath,” Owens concluded.
Her slideshow quickly racked up one million likes and 6.4 million views, which commenters gushing about wanting to see Owens’ dream of a film about her grandmother become a reality.
After the outpouring of love, Owens decided to take TikTok’s advice and start crowdfunding to make the documentary, giving it the working title Lilac Love, The Story Of Elida Rosa.
“Ok, I am doing what so many of you have asked!” Owens wrote in the fundraiser’s description. “I am crowdfunding to do a movie on my 90 year old Colombian lesbian grandmother and her life in a 63 year lavender marriage with my gay grandfather! Her story has inspired millions and I know has the potential to inspire millions more. Her story deserves to be told and honored!”
As of this article’s publication, Owens has raised $290 out of her $25,000 goal. You can support the project on GoFundMe here.
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