A Desired Past: A Short History of Same-Sex Love in America

by Leila J. Rupp

With this book, Leila J. Rupp accomplishes what few scholars have even she combines a vast array of scholarship on supposedly discrete episodes in American history into an entertaining and entirely readable story of same-sex desire across the country and the centuries.

"Most extraordinary about Leila J. Rupp's indeed short, two-hundred-page history of 'same-sex love and sexuality' is not that it manages to account for such a variety of individuals, races, and classes or take in such a broad chronological and thematic range, but rather that it does all this with such verve, lucidity, and analytical rigor. . . . [A]n elegant, inspiring survey." —John Howard, Journal of American History

Genres: History, Nonfiction, Queer, LGBT, Feminism, Sexuality, American History

232 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1999

Reviews

[Bri · Rating 4 out of 5]

Kinda transphobic

[Vanellope · Rating 4 out of 5]

That was very readable while still packing a lot into a short book. I liked the pictures and the way the author made history feel personal and real.

I would say though that the way the book talks about trans people in particular is kinda outdated, if not outright transphobic. Could've done without that.

[AJ (the.booknerd.reads) · Rating 2 out of 5]

While the history contained in this book was interesting, it was just such a chore to get through each reading for class :/ and i don't think i retained anything i read from it

[Sophia · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this book in my history class this semester, and highly enjoyed learning more about lgbt history—would recommend if you’re looking for a good, easy read

[Taylor · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rupp weaves together a personal nonfiction narrative with their comprehensive history of American sexuality. While certain sections are outdated, the book being written in the late 90s, much of the book does the important work of explaining the intersection of sexuality, class, race, labor activism, civil rights, public spaces, patriarchy & separate spheres, etc. I really admire her commitment to showing the possibilities of non-straight relationships throughout American History.

While I sympathize with the comments expressing the books presentation of trans Americans, I would pause to consider the complicated nature of "cross-dressing", drag, and gender fluidity that Rupp highlights as a means being able to have same-sex relationships when often the relationships were marked by masc/fem social roles. Gender expression does not always look or can be labeled in modern terms. Though, I agree much of the language used is outdated. Additonally, I found her explanations of "butch" and "stud" to be compelling.

[Tanwen Cooper · Rating 2 out of 5]

A lot of interesting details and stories, giving a good overview of sam-sex love in the US. However, I didnt really get on with how it was structured - a lot of the stories of individuals were covered very shallowly or with an assumption of background knowledge I didnt have. Its also 25 years old, so much of the 'modern history' is my now 'regular history'.

[Mikey Burdi · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked this book a lot, it took me awhile to read as my LGBT+ history class was reading this through the semester, but it was a good read. I love the personal connections with the historical references.

[Ezra · Rating 5 out of 5]

LOVEDDDD! Super comprehensive and detailed account of same-sex sexuality in America! Inclusive of every queer community, race, class, gender, and geographical area of the country! You could teach an entire gay history course out of this book!

[Oliver Zirbel · Rating 4 out of 5]

Assigned reading for an LGBT studies course in college. Good book.

[Brittany · Rating 5 out of 5]

"A Desired Past" by Leila J. Rupp is a great book! It a great introduction to same sex history. This book goes into great detail into the aspects of some of the struggles that same sex couples go through in society. This book was picked for a LGBT studies class, and I really appreciate my professor for introducing me to this book. It was a great read and I could not put it down once I started. Rupp did not hide any detail; it was a very detailed book. It was a great introductory book to same sex history. Would highly recommend.A Desired Past A Short History of Same-Sex Love in America

[Lord Beardsley · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very good introduction to 20th century studies in lesbianism in the United States. I felt I learned a great deal from this and it was easy to read, not too clinical, very personal and told through stories of various different women at different points throughout the 20th century. It also explores how the concept of lesbianism has evolved from girl-crush "smashes" to "Boston marriages" to modern day relationships. Very interesting.

[ONTD Feminism · Rating 4 out of 5]

LJ user munkymp3 says, "Another brilliant documentation on the history of queer "behavior" during the Industrial Revolution. You also learn how we have regressed and progressed in terms of queer acceptance and relationships (for example, you could have 'romantic friendships' in the past where you're friends with someone and you deeply love them but you don't want to be with them; it's not like 'friends with benefits' where there are no strings attached)."

[girlwonder · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a great short history of same-sex love and sexuality in the US. Very easy to read (you could teach it in an undergraduate class) and the narrative is extremely engaging. Rupp covers a lot of time in a little room and the analysis is thoughtful and precise. Loved it.

[J · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very informative read and am pleasantly surprised by Rupp's investment with including race, ethnicity and class into same sex history. I was, though, dissapointed by how little Rupp discussed and analyzed AIDS. Overall, a good and important read for all queers!

[Valerie Sherman · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great, thorough history of early to modern gay history.

[Patricia · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good, fairly simple intro to US LGBT history.

[Kimberly · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book really broadened my understanding of how our culture has perceived homosexuality historically. I read it for my Gay and Lesbian Culture and History class.

[S · Rating 3 out of 5]

Read for class. A good book on LGBT history, though brief. 3.5*

[MJ Strayer · Rating 2 out of 5]

Had to read for class. It’s very hard to follow, but I love the content

[Carson · Rating 3 out of 5]

I did enjoy this book, though doubt I’d recommend it over any of the other queer history books I’ve read.

[Joy · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fantastic queer reading of American same-sex relationship history.