The Boys of Fairy Town: Sodomites, Female Impersonators, Third-Sexers, Pansies, Queers, and Sex Morons in Chicago's First Century
$29.99
Description
Book Synopsis: A 2018 Chicago Writers Association Book of the Year Honorable Mention Lambda Literary Award LGBTQ Nonfiction Finalist
A history of gay Chicago told through the stories of queer men who left a record of their sexual activities in the Second City, this book paints a vivid picture of the neighborhoods where they congregated while revealing their complex lives. Some, such as reporter John Wing, were public figures. Others, like Henry Gerber, who created the first "homophile" organization in the United States, were practically invisible to their contemporaries. But their stories are all riveting.
Female impersonators and striptease artists Quincy de Lang and George Quinn were arrested and put on trial at the behest of a leader of Chicago’s anti-“indecency” movement. African American ragtime pianist Tony Jackson’s most famous song, “Pretty Baby,” was written about one of his male lovers. Alfred Kinsey’s explorations of the city’s netherworld changed the future of American sexuality while confirming his own queer proclivities. What emerges from The Boys of Fairy Town is a complex portrait and a virtually unknown history of one of the most vibrant cities in the United States.
Details
Intriguing and ground-breaking, "The Boys of Fairy Town: Sodomites, Female Impersonators, Third-Sexers, Pansies, Queers, and Sex Morons in Chicago's First Century" is a captivating journey into the hidden history of gay Chicago. This Lambda Literary Award LGBTQ Nonfiction Finalist sheds light on the lives of queer men who defied societal norms, exposing a vivid picture of the neighborhoods they frequented. Dive into the riveting stories of public figures like John Wing, as well as the invisible trailblazers such as Henry Gerber, who forged the path for the first "homophile" organization in the United States.
Step into the intriguing world of female impersonators and striptease artists Quincy de Lang and George Quinn. Their trials and arrests, orchestrated by a leader of Chicago's anti-"indecency" movement, illustrate the challenges faced by those who dared to express their true selves. The narrative also touches upon the contribution of African American ragtime pianist Tony Jackson, whose iconic composition "Pretty Baby" was a heartfelt tribute to one of his male lovers.
While reading, you'll discover the groundbreaking work of Alfred Kinsey, whose exploration of Chicago's netherworld not only revolutionized our understanding of American sexuality but also confirmed his own queer proclivities. "The Boys of Fairy Town" presents a seldom-told history that intricately weaves together the lives and experiences of a vibrant city's LGBTQ community.
Uncover the forgotten past, delve into the rich tapestry of queer Chicago, and witness the transformative power of human resilience. Be a part of this virtually unknown history of one of the most vibrant cities in the United States. Experience "The Boys of Fairy Town" today and embrace a story that challenges the status quo and inspires progress.
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