Queer America: A GLBT History of the 20th Century

by Vicki L. Eaklor

Perhaps no topic today is politically more divisive than homosexuality, particularly when it is coupled with the deeply rooted concept of civil rights. This work focuses on 20th/21st- century U. S. history as it pertains to GLBT history. Major issues and events such as the Stonewall riot, Don't Ask, Don't Tell in the military, same-sex marriage, gay rights, gay pride, organizations and alliances, AIDS, and legal battles and court cases are discussed. Also included are sidebars highlighting major debates, legal landmarks and key individuals. A timeline and further reading sections concluding each chapter as well as a full bibliography and black and white images enhance the text.



In these opening years of the 21st century in the United States, perhaps no topic is more divisive than homosexuality, particularly when it is coupled with the deeply rooted concept of civil rights. The same-sex marriage debate, for example, is but part of a larger discussion over issues crucial to American life, such as the role of law in the lives of individuals, relationships among law, economics, and morality, and the values thought to distinguish and define us. GLBT history is not just the struggle for rights, it is people simply living their lives the best they knew how regardless of the terms they or others use for them. This work focuses on U. S. history and, within that, the 20th century, particularly because the vast majority of work in GLBT history has been during this place and time. Major issues and events such as the Stonewall riot, Don't Ask, Don't Tell in the military, same-sex marriage, gay rights, gay pride, organizations and alliances, AIDS, and legal battles and court cases are discussed.



Included in this reference work are sidebars highlighting major debates, legal landmarks and key individuals. A timeline and further reading sections concluding each chapter as well as a full bibliography and black and white images enhance the text.

Genres: History, Queer, LGBT, Nonfiction, American History, Politics, Historical

312 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2008

Reviews

[Aaron · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a pretty interesting read, and one I purchased for the teen collection at my old library. I remember it getting really good reviews at the time. It actually is full of great content and information that talks not only about the history of gays, lesbians, bisexuals and transgendered people during the 20th century, but it also places it in context with other similar movements, like those for women and African Americans.

It is pretty rich with detail about various individuals and groups to which they were connected, though it had a surprisingly academic tone, which seemed a bit dense for a lot of teen readers. I actually appreciated it as it allowed me to walk away after reading still feeling like I had learned a lot. The book is broken down into general era's throughout the century as well as having a starting chapter that talks about such history from pre-colonial and colonial periods up until the very beginning of the 20th century.

I was surprised at how many typographical errors were in evidence, particularly in the early chapters. It did not prevent reader comprehension, but it was a little jarring to keep running into them. It was really surprising considering the academic tone.

One of the really cool things was to see how much had happened in the areas of gays in the military and same-sex marriage since the book was published in 2008. While the tone about the future was positive as the book came to a close, it really underestimated the speed of change that seems to have happened since 2010.

There is also a strong list of books and films/documentaries that are not only used as part of the author's research, but also suggested for further exploration for anyone interested in delving deeper into specific topics covered in the book.

[Ambrose Miles · Rating 4 out of 5]

More like 4 1/2 stars. A lot of work went into making this book. Well written and very interesting. Really.

[Jen · Rating 4 out of 5]

The thing that hurts this book most is its age, which it can't be blamed for. However, it's a great overview of the past. On the plus side, you finish this book where same sex marriage wasn't legal yet and know not only is it legal now but also that we do have LGBT+ senators and even a gay man running for president. So even its age isn't too bad.

[Averin · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not bad, I didn't realize it was a textbook or YA until I got home. In her attempt to integrate queer history into mainstream, the author includes far too much mainstream history that is neither well-done nor necessary. As another reviewer noted, it makes it appear as though no queer people were making their mark in the South or Midwest or anywhere but West and East Coast cities. So I'd recommend it as an overview (the timeline diagram is pretty good) but if you really want some queer history, go pick up Gay American History: Lesbians and Gay Men in the U.S.A., A Documentary and Pioneering Collection of Turbulent Chronicles - A Startling New Perspective on the Nation's Past or Sexual Politics, Sexual Communities: The Making of a Homosexual Minority in the United States, 1940-1970 or Odd Girls and Twilight Lovers: A History of Lesbian Life in Twentieth-Century America.

[John Suddath · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a comprehensive review of the social and political history of this movement, but it is limited primarily to activities on the two coasts and ignores anything in between. Of course, New York, Washington, San Francisco, and Los Angeles were where most of the most significant events occurred, but there were other outcroppings occurring. I am most familiar with Texas in the 70s and 80s, when the pride movement really go going. That included not only major annual parades but lots of political action committees and publications.

[Collin · Rating 3 out of 5]

While this was a comprehensive history of gay rights, it was often difficult to get through. Realizing it was a text book, I tried to approach it in the same vein, but often found myself having to re-read chapters to fully grasp what was being said.

[Kellen Gold · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very informative, though I wish there would have been more space devoted to transgender issues. I think a second volume with updated information, no outdated terms, and better proofreading should be published.

[Brandon · Rating 3 out of 5]

Didn't care for the format of this history book. I've read better organized and better explained fare.