Description
Book Synopsis: Winner of the Stonewall Book Award in nonfiction. The first comprehensive history of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender America, from pre-1492 to the present.
“Readable, radical, and smart—a must read.”—Alison Bechdel, author of Fun Home.
Intellectually dynamic and endlessly provocative, this is more than a “who’s who” of queer history: it is a narrative that radically challenges how we understand American history. Drawing upon primary documents, literature, and cultural histories, scholar and activist Michael Bronski charts the breadth of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender history, from 1492 to the present, a testament to how the LGBTQ+ experience has profoundly shaped American culture and history.
American history abounds with unknown or ignored examples of queer life, from the ineffectiveness of sodomy laws in the colonies to the prevalence of cross-dressing women soldiers in the Civil War and resistance to homophobic social purity movements. Bronski highlights such groundbreaking moments of queer history as:
- In the 1620s, Thomas Morton broke from Plymouth Colony and founded Merrymount, which celebrated same-sex desire, atheism, and interracial marriage.
- Transgender evangelist Jemima Wilkinson, in the early 1800s, changed her name to “Publick Universal Friend,” refused to use pronouns, fought for gender equality, and led her own congregation in upstate New York.
- In the mid-19th century, internationally famous Shakespearean actor Charlotte Cushman led an openly lesbian life, including a well-publicized “female marriage.”
- In the late 1920s, Augustus Granville Dill was fired by W. E. B. Du Bois from the NAACP’s magazine the Crisis after being arrested for a homosexual encounter.
Informative and empowering, this engrossing and revelatory treatise emphasizes that there is no American history without queer history.
Details
Discover the untold chapters of American history with A Queer History of the United States (REVISIONING HISTORY). Winner of the prestigious Stonewall Book Award in nonfiction, this groundbreaking book is a must-read for anyone interested in the rich and diverse tapestry of LGBTQ+ experiences throughout the centuries. From pre-1492 to the present, this comprehensive narrative challenges conventional notions of American history and sheds light on the profound influence of the LGBTQ+ community on the fabric of our nation.
Intellectually dynamic and endlessly provocative, A Queer History of the United States takes you on an extraordinary journey through primary documents, literature, and cultural histories. Renowned scholar and activist Michael Bronski expertly unveils significant moments that have shaped queer history. Unearth the rebellion against sodomy laws in the colonies, the courage of cross-dressing women soldiers in the Civil War, and the resistance to homophobic social purity movements. This eye-opening account celebrates the pioneers, radicals, and visionaries who have paved the way for LGBTQ+ rights.
Prepare to encounter remarkable figures who defied societal norms and left an indelible mark on American history. In the 1620s, Thomas Morton founded Merrymount, a utopia embracing same-sex desire, atheism, and interracial marriage. Witness the story of transgender evangelist Jemima Wilkinson, who challenged gender norms, fought for equality, and led her own congregation in upstate New York. Follow the life of Shakespearean actor Charlotte Cushman, who openly embraced her lesbian identity while captivating audiences worldwide. Explore the story of Augustus Granville Dill, a victim of discrimination who stood tall in the face of adversity.
Informative and empowering, A Queer History of the United States emphasizes that queer history is an integral part of the American story. It reminds us that progress, resilience, and courage go hand in hand with the LGBTQ+ community's journey towards equality. Join this enlightening expedition and discover the threads of queer history woven into the fabric of our nation. Don't miss out on this transformative reading experience that will challenge your perceptions and broaden your understanding of the American identity.
Unlock the hidden chapters of American history and gain a deeper appreciation for the LGBTQ+ experience. Dive into the pages of A Queer History of the United States (REVISIONING HISTORY) today and embark on a captivating journey of self-discovery, empowerment, and understanding.
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