Men Alone — Men Together combines photography and oral history to documents the lives of 45 gay men — 14 couples, 14 single men and one trio — and tell how their journeys have, for the moment, led them towards or away from relationships.

In their own words they recount defining moments in their lives, as well as touching on significant events in New Zealand’s social history. Many of these men grew up in a world that condemned homosexuality, and in which the expression of their love for each other carried the risk of imprisonment. In contrast, it is now nearly 25 years since homosexual law reform, gay men’s and women’s civil rights are protected and the Civil Union Act provides legal recognition of their relationships.

Men Alone — Men Together reflects the immense diversity of the gay world. These men are our workmates and neighbours. They are gardeners and jewellers, teachers and builders, priests and fathers, each with a story to tell of remarkable determination and courage.

Men Alone—Men Together is available from Steele Roberts Publishers