Scandal: Infamous Gay Controversies of the Twentieth Century

by Marc E. Vargo

Examine the cornerstone incidents of modern gay political history! Infamous Gay Controversies of the Twentieth Century is a compelling and thorough examination of same-sex controversies that range from accusations of obscenity and libel to espionage, treason, murder, and political dissent, with penalties that included censorship, imprisonment, deportation, and death. In each case, scandal brought the subject of homosexuality into public view in an explosive, sensational manner, stalling (and sometimes reversing) any progress made by the gay and lesbian community in mainstream society. Author Marc E. Vargo details the dignity, courage, and wisdom displayed by the gay men and women under attack in the face of public judgment.A unique blend of biography and gay political history, Infamous Gay Controversies of the Twentieth Century recounts seven international incidents that tally the cost of being homosexual in a heterosexual society. In each episode, gay men or lesbians are targeted for legal persecution, subjected to sensationalized media coverage, and publicly condemned. The book examines the short- and long-term consequences of each controversy for those involved and the impact each scandal had on gay and mainstream Infamous Gay Controversies of the Twentieth Century documents the stories A scholarly work of historical significance, Infamous Gay Controversies of the Twentieth Century is written in a straightforward tone that appeals to academics, students, and interested readers, gay or straight. The book stands alone as a record of the role played by public opinion in modern gay history.

Genres: History, Nonfiction

Paperback

First published January 6, 2003

Reviews

[Tyler · Rating 3 out of 5]

I wouldn't have read this book if it hadn't been given to me by a friend. It wasn't very well written, but it was fun learning some more about the lives of a few famous gay people from the twentieth century.

Having grown up in southern African, I found the story of Simon Nkoli fascinating. According to Vargo, it was because of Nkoli's willingness to be out to his friends in the anti-apartheid movement that they wrote gay rights into the constitution after apartheid fell.