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Book Synopsis: Los Angeles Times bestseller National Book Critics Circle Award Winner NAMED ONE OF THE BEST BOOKS OF THE YEAR BY: The New York Times * NPR * Vogue * Gay Times * Artforum * “Gay Bar is an absolute tour de force.” –Maggie Nelson “Atherton Lin has a five-octave, Mariah Carey-esque range for discussing gay sex.” –New York Times Book Review
As gay bars continue to close at an alarming rate, a writer looks back to find out what’s being lost in this intimate, stylish, and indispensible celebration of queer history. Strobing lights and dark rooms; throbbing house and drag queens on counters; first kisses, last call: the gay bar has long been a place of solidarity and sexual expression—whatever your scene, whoever you’re seeking. But in urban centers around the world, they are closing, a cultural demolition that has Jeremy Atherton Lin wondering: What was the gay bar? How have they shaped him? And could this spell the end of gay identity as we know it? In Gay Bar, the author embarks upon a transatlantic tour of the hangouts that marked his life, with each club, pub, and dive revealing itself to be a palimpsest of queer history. In prose as exuberant as a hit of poppers and dazzling as a disco ball, he time-travels from Hollywood nights in the 1970s to a warren of cruising tunnels built beneath London in the 1770s; from chichi bars in the aftermath of AIDS to today’s fluid queer spaces; through glory holes, into Crisco-slicked dungeons and down San Francisco alleys. He charts police raids and riots, posing and passing out—and a chance encounter one restless night that would change his life forever. The journey that emerges is a stylish and nuanced inquiry into the connection between place and identity—a tale of liberation, but one that invites us to go beyond the simplified Stonewall mythology and enter lesser-known battlefields in the struggle to carve out a territory. Elegiac, randy, and sparkling with wry wit, Gay Bar is at once a serious critical inquiry, a love story and an epic night out to remember.
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Experience the joy and significance of gay bars with the groundbreaking book, Gay Bar: Why We Went Out. As the alarming closure of gay bars continues, this New York Times bestseller and National Book Critics Circle Award Winner digs deep into the essence of queer history. Strobing lights, pulsating music, and iconic drag queens have been the heart and soul of gay bars for decades. But what happens when these vibrant spaces disappear? Join author Jeremy Atherton Lin on a transatlantic journey through the bars that shaped his life, exploring the connection between place and identity in a way that will leave you captivated.
From the glittering Hollywood nights of the 1970s to the hidden cruising tunnels beneath London in the 1770s, Gay Bar unveils the hidden layers of queer history that have been preserved in these irreplaceable establishments. Each club, pub, and dive acts as a time capsule, shedding light on the struggles, triumphs, and evolution of the LGBTQ+ community. Through vivid storytelling, Atherton Lin takes you on a rollercoaster ride through police raids, riots, and the underground world of fetish parties. Get ready to immerse yourself in a world that is fierce, exciting, and beautifully diverse.
More than just a historical exploration, Gay Bar is a love story to the resilience and strength found within queer spaces. As Atherton Lin delves into his personal experiences and chance encounters, you'll find yourself swept away by his infectious enthusiasm and wry wit. This book is not just for LGBTQ+ individuals, but for anyone who values inclusivity, diversity, and the power of community. Prepare to challenge the traditional narratives surrounding gay identity and open your mind to the lesser-known battlefields that have shaped the fight for acceptance.
Don't miss out on this extraordinary journey into the heart of LGBTQ+ history. Whether you're an ardent supporter, an avid reader, or simply curious about the power of queer spaces, Gay Bar is a must-read. Join us in celebrating the magic of gay bars and the people who have made them legendary. Get your copy today and embark on an unforgettable night out at the turn of every page. Buy now to start your adventure!
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