In 1947, amidst the quiet towns of Saskatchewan, Canada, and the bustling streets of Chicago, USA, two young women met under unlikely circumstances—and fell in love in a world that wasn’t yet ready to accept them.
💖 How It Began
Terry Donahue, 22, a professional baseball player in the All-American Girls Professional Baseball League, met Pat Henschel, 18, at a skating rink in Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan, Canada. Their instant connection sparked a lifelong romance that they would hide from the world for over 60 years.
They began their secret relationship in Canada and later moved to Chicago, Illinois, where they lived together while presenting themselves to the world as simply "good friends" or "roommates."
🏠 A Life of Quiet Devotion
While working as interior decorators, Terry and Pat built a peaceful life, balancing their personal privacy with their professional success. Their romance remained hidden even from close friends and family. The threat of being outed—and the danger it posed at the time—kept them in the shadows.
🌈 Coming Out at 80
In 2009, after more than 60 years together, Terry and Pat finally came out to their families. Their story gained attention and later became the subject of the Netflix documentary "A Secret Love", released in April 2020. The film was directed by Terry’s great-nephew, Chris Bolan, and produced by Ryan Murphy.
📅 Key Timeline
- 1947 – Terry and Pat meet in Canada
- 1950s – Move to Chicago and begin life as “roommates”
- 2009 – Publicly come out to family and friends
- 2015 – Terry Donahue passes away at age 93
- 2020 – "A Secret Love" documentary released
💬 Their Legacy
Pat and Terry's story is not just a love story—it's a testament to enduring commitment, resilience, and the quiet strength of queer women who loved in secret. Their journey reflects decades of LGBTQ+ history, discrimination, and, finally, acceptance and visibility.
🎥 Watch Their Story
You can watch their full story in the documentary "A Secret Love" on Netflix. The film is a moving portrayal of lesbian love in the shadows, and the freedom that finally came with age.
🔗 References
- Pink News – A Secret Love Documentary Overview
- Netflix – A Secret Love
- TODAY – Behind the Scenes of "A Secret Love"
Love is love—what you are is beautiful. 🌈