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The Gay Revolution: The Story of the Struggle
The sweeping story of the modern struggle for gay, lesbian, and trans rights from the 1950s to the present—based on amazing interviews with politicians, military figures, legal activists, and members of the entire LGBT community who face these challenges every day.
The fight for gay, lesbian, and trans civil rights—the years of outrageous injustice, the early battles, the heart-breaking defeats, and the victories beyond the dreams of the gay rights pioneers—is the most important civil rights issue of the present day. Based on rigorous research and more than 150 interviews, The Gay Revolution tells this unfinished story not through dry facts but through dramatic accounts of passionate struggles, with all the sweep, depth, and intricacies only an award-winning activist, scholar, and novelist like Lillian Faderman can evoke.
The Gay Revolution begins in the 1950s, when law classified gays and lesbians as criminals, the psychiatric profession saw them as mentally ill, the churches saw them as sinners, and society victimized them with irrational hatred. Against this dark backdrop, a few brave people began to fight back, paving the way for the revolutionary changes of the 1960s and beyond. Faderman discusses the protests in the 1960s; the counter reaction of the 1970s and early eighties; the decimated but united community during the AIDS epidemic; and the current hurdles for the right to marriage equality.
In the words of the eyewitnesses who were there through the most critical events, The Gay Revolution paints a nuanced portrait of the LGBT civil rights movement. A defining account, this is the most complete and authoritative book of its kind.
The fight for gay, lesbian, and trans civil rights—the years of outrageous injustice, the early battles, the heart-breaking defeats, and the victories beyond the dreams of the gay rights pioneers—is the most important civil rights issue of the present day. Based on rigorous research and more than 150 interviews, The Gay Revolution tells this unfinished story not through dry facts but through dramatic accounts of passionate struggles, with all the sweep, depth, and intricacies only an award-winning activist, scholar, and novelist like Lillian Faderman can evoke.
The Gay Revolution begins in the 1950s, when law classified gays and lesbians as criminals, the psychiatric profession saw them as mentally ill, the churches saw them as sinners, and society victimized them with irrational hatred. Against this dark backdrop, a few brave people began to fight back, paving the way for the revolutionary changes of the 1960s and beyond. Faderman discusses the protests in the 1960s; the counter reaction of the 1970s and early eighties; the decimated but united community during the AIDS epidemic; and the current hurdles for the right to marriage equality.
In the words of the eyewitnesses who were there through the most critical events, The Gay Revolution paints a nuanced portrait of the LGBT civil rights movement. A defining account, this is the most complete and authoritative book of its kind.
816 pages, Hardcover
First published September 7, 2015
240 people are currently reading
4628 people want to read
About the author
Lillian Faderman
30 books335 followersLillian Faderman is an internationally known scholar of lesbian history and literature, as well as ethnic history and literature. Among her many honors are six Lambda Literary Awards, two American Library Association Awards, and several lifetime achievement awards for scholarship. She is the author of The Gay Revolution and the New York Times Notable Books, Surpassing the Love of Men and Odd Girls and Twilight Lovers. (photo by Donn R. Nottage)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 172 reviews
December 26, 2016
The Gay Revolution was interesting and informative enough, but definitely overbloated, and for no particularly good reason. The title would also more appropriately be “The Gay Assimilation” because it only clearly and thoroughly represents the narratives of wealthy white assimilationist gay and lesbian folk at the expense of radicals, queer people of color, and trans people altogether. While it will occasionally – especially in the chapter about marriage and military inclusion – bring up radical arguments against the focus on marriage and military inclusion, it’s clear in both cases that Faderman doesn’t take these radical critiques seriously. She always gives the final word to the assimilationists, and presents radical arguments as pesky new-wave trends flying in the face of original gay and lesbian mainstream goals, which isn’t true.
For example, Faderman references “lesbian feminist” thought on the military as being a “stronghold of male-chauvinist piggery” which leads me to believe she doesn’t critically examine the military, or military inclusion as a noble goal. Similarly, her final word on William Dobbs’ criticisms of the military-inclusion movement is that those criticisms were “gibberish” to the gays and lesbians who had ~actually~ served in the military, as if their point of view was more righteous than his, and that his opinions were out of touch.
Faderman also seems out of touch with trans language and movements. She references a genderqueer figure with “genderqueer” in quotes twice, as if genderqueer isn’t just as real an identity as gay or lesbian. She also refers to Matthew Shepherd as “cisgendered” again in quotes and with the unnecessary suffix. It makes me wonder if she keeps up with trans language in the same way she keeps up with gay and lesbian language. The book comes off as pretty trans exclusive either way. In general, Faderman only pays periodic lip service to trans-led movements in the same cursory way she only pays lip service to radical movements altogether. The Stonewall riots turns away from the points of view of the rioters – and only briefly brings up Marsha P. Johnson or Sylvia Rivera – to focus on the perspectives of cis white outsider journalists. Absolutely an inexplicable (to the point of bizarre) narrative decision.
The book largely erases bisexuals folk, queers, people of color and trans folk from the narrative, and almost completely leaves out the stories of “unpresentable” or “less palatable” queer and trans folk.
The book also really clumsily evokes comparisons between black civil rights and gay civil rights without critically examining those comparisons or the ways in which the movements are different, and without looking into the perspectives of the people caught at the intersection.
This all might sound nitpicky, but it’s important when telling queer history to make sure we aren’t telling whitewashed or ciswashed queer history, because all history we get taught is already whitewashed and ciswashed. But Faderman’s book continues that trope and continues to give us one sided history. Overall an interesting read, but disappointing in its scope.
For example, Faderman references “lesbian feminist” thought on the military as being a “stronghold of male-chauvinist piggery” which leads me to believe she doesn’t critically examine the military, or military inclusion as a noble goal. Similarly, her final word on William Dobbs’ criticisms of the military-inclusion movement is that those criticisms were “gibberish” to the gays and lesbians who had ~actually~ served in the military, as if their point of view was more righteous than his, and that his opinions were out of touch.
Faderman also seems out of touch with trans language and movements. She references a genderqueer figure with “genderqueer” in quotes twice, as if genderqueer isn’t just as real an identity as gay or lesbian. She also refers to Matthew Shepherd as “cisgendered” again in quotes and with the unnecessary suffix. It makes me wonder if she keeps up with trans language in the same way she keeps up with gay and lesbian language. The book comes off as pretty trans exclusive either way. In general, Faderman only pays periodic lip service to trans-led movements in the same cursory way she only pays lip service to radical movements altogether. The Stonewall riots turns away from the points of view of the rioters – and only briefly brings up Marsha P. Johnson or Sylvia Rivera – to focus on the perspectives of cis white outsider journalists. Absolutely an inexplicable (to the point of bizarre) narrative decision.
The book largely erases bisexuals folk, queers, people of color and trans folk from the narrative, and almost completely leaves out the stories of “unpresentable” or “less palatable” queer and trans folk.
The book also really clumsily evokes comparisons between black civil rights and gay civil rights without critically examining those comparisons or the ways in which the movements are different, and without looking into the perspectives of the people caught at the intersection.
This all might sound nitpicky, but it’s important when telling queer history to make sure we aren’t telling whitewashed or ciswashed queer history, because all history we get taught is already whitewashed and ciswashed. But Faderman’s book continues that trope and continues to give us one sided history. Overall an interesting read, but disappointing in its scope.
February 2, 2017
Compellingly clear and thoroughly readable. It's organized by "struggle", with the stories of movement heroes interwoven. I learned what precipitated the Stonewall Inn actions and Edith Windsor's backstory. I had been a little intimidated by the length, but it's "only" 635 pages, with the rest being notes. A bracing ode to civil rights fighters.
October 22, 2015
Most attempts to narrate a history of LGBT activism in the United States might be thwarted not only by the movement's lack of a single, galvanizing historical figure around whom to base it—a Martin Luther King, Jr., for example, or a Susan B. Anthony—but also by a general disorganization born of the LGBT population's sheer diversity and often clashing goals. Faderman makes her history effective by focusing on the threads of multiple individuals, then weaving them into a much broader tapestry. By connecting injustices of discrimination and inequality to the human faces who have suffered under them, she fashions an engaging, exciting, and often tense story out of what could easily have read like a collection of dates and a plethora of court cases.
The Gay Revolution: The Story of the Struggle not only hits the expected beats and does so with thorough research and documentation, but manages thoroughly to intertwine many seemingly disparate endeavors in the LGBT struggle to seize control of public perception and to labor for equality over the last eighty years. I found the book remarkably moving in spots. It's admirable that Faderman makes a convincing case that the seeds planted by the movement's earliest crusaders have, with cultivation, borne remarkable fruit.
The Gay Revolution: The Story of the Struggle not only hits the expected beats and does so with thorough research and documentation, but manages thoroughly to intertwine many seemingly disparate endeavors in the LGBT struggle to seize control of public perception and to labor for equality over the last eighty years. I found the book remarkably moving in spots. It's admirable that Faderman makes a convincing case that the seeds planted by the movement's earliest crusaders have, with cultivation, borne remarkable fruit.
December 27, 2015
I'd call this a masterpiece, although I have some criticisms. Faderman handles the large scope of the book well, reminding us about incidents from previous chapters when necessary, and managing to make it read like a mostly coherent narrative. I wished there was some theory to it, e.g. a stance on whether major changes happen because of individual leaders or combinations of forces. And I wish she'd stated more deliberately that this is a history of legal rights (and secondarily of formal organizations). Public opinion and pop culture are mentioned by the wayside (see Joe Biden's crediting of Will & Grace with changing social attitudes), but only as they intersect with happenings in Congress or in courtrooms. While the history was fascinating, by the time I got near the end I was missing a sense of what it was actually like to live as a gay person in each of the eras she described. Also, as the narration got to the 90s, Faderman's own beliefs became too clear (she supports gradual legislative changes that often look timid to ordinary people who aren't politicians), and that felt frustrating. Still, I never got sick of reading, despite the length of this book (or should I say brick), and I learned a lot.
March 3, 2021
Truly phenomenal. I'm horrified at how little I knew, and how much there still is to learn. I'll be buying a physical copy of this book to reread for sure.
February 10, 2025
Hittills en av de bästa böckerna som jag har läst om queerhet genom historien och queeras rättigheter. Rekommenderas!
May 5, 2019
Please read this. Understand it. Then work to erase the national shame that the history in this box represents. We still have a long way to go in he goal of treating all human beings like human beings. These stories will help and person who is LGBTQIA+ or an ally understand a little better the incredible pain and sacrifice that has built today’s fragile rights and the ceaseless work by opportunistic people to channel hate to their own political ends. Freedom for everyone, freedom now.
July 7, 2017
In the interest of brevity, The Gay Revolution documents the separate threads of the radical versus incrementalist sects of the gay civil rights movement with an exhaustive acuity and yet with a certain breeziness. As a sort of epic survey that unites these separate chapters of the movement, it's astonishing: I disagree with Faderman's detractors that she gives short shrift to the radical movements and champions incrementalism in the courts, and find that her coverage of the radical theatrics of the Gay Liberation Front demonstrates its efficacy in certain areas (e.g., the stunning Anita Bryant chapter) whereas the painstaking waiting game of the Lambda Legal Defense Fund reaped its benefits elsewhere. This push and pull is my favorite part of the book, and it serves as an excellent primer as to why radicalism versus incrementalism can be characterized either as a conflict or as a toolbox of strategies that can unite a cause via different mechanisms. I'm also glad that Faderman shows equanimity in her portrayal of gays and lesbians as being "opposed" to each other; she gives gay men their due for their misogyny when working with lesbians, but also shows the non-committal mission of the Daughters of Bilitis. There are fabulous nuggets of information about how communities ranging from the now-heralded Democratic Socialists were highly discriminatory toward homosexuals, to the eerie resemblance of Bryan't rise to Trump's, to the stunning radicalism of unsung hero Dan Choi.
By the book's end, however, the chapters start to show the wear and tear of Faderman's repeated formula: every saga is a short autobiographical snippet followed by the forming of a coalition to fight - repeatedly - every contention for gay civil rights in the courts. The appeal - reject - appeal - yes - contest - yes saga indubitably paints a picture of the frustrating stubbornness of democratic institutions, but I was surprised that a writer as gifted as Faderman wasn't able to imbue more life into the back-half of the book. I was beginning to feel that she was as bogged down by the repetition of these arcs herself.
My copy is ruthlessly highlighted with names of icons I should've learned a long time ago. This book is a much needed education and a highly recommended stepping stone. I hope this inspires more people to read into the more diverse, niche areas of the community as well. Now, off to Club Mattachine in DTLA. Godspeed, Harry Hay. Godspeed.
By the book's end, however, the chapters start to show the wear and tear of Faderman's repeated formula: every saga is a short autobiographical snippet followed by the forming of a coalition to fight - repeatedly - every contention for gay civil rights in the courts. The appeal - reject - appeal - yes - contest - yes saga indubitably paints a picture of the frustrating stubbornness of democratic institutions, but I was surprised that a writer as gifted as Faderman wasn't able to imbue more life into the back-half of the book. I was beginning to feel that she was as bogged down by the repetition of these arcs herself.
My copy is ruthlessly highlighted with names of icons I should've learned a long time ago. This book is a much needed education and a highly recommended stepping stone. I hope this inspires more people to read into the more diverse, niche areas of the community as well. Now, off to Club Mattachine in DTLA. Godspeed, Harry Hay. Godspeed.
August 24, 2015
Book received from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
I wanted to like this book. I really, really wanted to like this book because I thought it would be a wonderful addition to GLBTQ scholarship based on the blurb I read when I selected this book at NetGalley. However, I could never really connect to the anecdotes told in the book as examples of the struggle for equality in the GLBTQ movement. There was, for me at least, little to no context to the stories told in the book nor was there much emotional impact. Again, for me. Another reader may respond differently. I do not know if this is a drawback of the writing style, the way the book was put together or just me. For all I know, it's just me as I don't have - as the saying goes - a dog in the hunt.
I read this book as an academic interested in the history of the gay civil rights movement. Perhaps, that is why I had trouble with it. I kept expecting more context or explanation to the anecdotes told, perhaps to show how they advanced the movement, yet often felt like it was just a collection of stories sorted by era. Additionally, there seemed to be a slight disconnect between one example and the next - something that began with the prologue where we had a story from the 1940s and then popped to 2012 with little connecting the two. It took me three tries to read this book. I never did fully finish it. I finally gave up since, as much as I liked some of the anecdotes told, I had no context for them nor did I often understand why those particular anecdotes were chosen. Perhaps someone deeper into the movement or into the academia surrounding the GLBTQ equality movement will better connect with or enjoy this book. It just wasn't for me.
I wanted to like this book. I really, really wanted to like this book because I thought it would be a wonderful addition to GLBTQ scholarship based on the blurb I read when I selected this book at NetGalley. However, I could never really connect to the anecdotes told in the book as examples of the struggle for equality in the GLBTQ movement. There was, for me at least, little to no context to the stories told in the book nor was there much emotional impact. Again, for me. Another reader may respond differently. I do not know if this is a drawback of the writing style, the way the book was put together or just me. For all I know, it's just me as I don't have - as the saying goes - a dog in the hunt.
I read this book as an academic interested in the history of the gay civil rights movement. Perhaps, that is why I had trouble with it. I kept expecting more context or explanation to the anecdotes told, perhaps to show how they advanced the movement, yet often felt like it was just a collection of stories sorted by era. Additionally, there seemed to be a slight disconnect between one example and the next - something that began with the prologue where we had a story from the 1940s and then popped to 2012 with little connecting the two. It took me three tries to read this book. I never did fully finish it. I finally gave up since, as much as I liked some of the anecdotes told, I had no context for them nor did I often understand why those particular anecdotes were chosen. Perhaps someone deeper into the movement or into the academia surrounding the GLBTQ equality movement will better connect with or enjoy this book. It just wasn't for me.
August 16, 2020
I feel that many LGBT people are totally unaware of our history to a frightening degree. If we are complacent, careless, and dazed then we will not appreciate what we have won. We will become slack and disinterested in fighting inequality. We need to be mad. We need to stay mad. We need to be radical.
Being gay is more than Beyonce and RuPaul drag shows. Try not to be overtly entertained and therefore miss something that may warrant real concern. In reading this book I am even more convinced than ever that radicalism is the only thing that has ever gotten anything done. The mainstream, easy goes it, measured, Gay Inc. might be good for business and might make us feel comfortable but at every step of the way, it has been radical ideals and methods that have pushed the issues forward and made the biggest strides in equality.
That being said, this book is very dense and highly researched. It was obviously designed to be a textbook for a college level gay history course. The different parts are separated loosely chronologically but mainly defined by topic.
Being gay is more than Beyonce and RuPaul drag shows. Try not to be overtly entertained and therefore miss something that may warrant real concern. In reading this book I am even more convinced than ever that radicalism is the only thing that has ever gotten anything done. The mainstream, easy goes it, measured, Gay Inc. might be good for business and might make us feel comfortable but at every step of the way, it has been radical ideals and methods that have pushed the issues forward and made the biggest strides in equality.
That being said, this book is very dense and highly researched. It was obviously designed to be a textbook for a college level gay history course. The different parts are separated loosely chronologically but mainly defined by topic.
September 20, 2016
So I started this a while ago, and I was enjoying it but always looking for more about transgender history as well as LGB history. It is very much focused on the LGB aspect, pouring so much information. I was overwhelmed by the early chapters when I realised that people are still fired for being LGBT. The AIDs crisis needed more explanation and seemed lost beneath the tidal wave of other information. I recently tried to go back and finish this after losing my place. I was just bombarded, and overwhelmed again. May come back to this when I'm in a better mood/headspace.
August 5, 2024
This one took a long time to listen to because I kept stopping to take notes and write things down! Great basis for my gender studies class. So far we’ve come, so far to go.
February 9, 2025
Probably one of the most influential books on my life to date. I feel like I have a whole new perspective on the world.
December 19, 2020
This took me almost the whole year to read. Comprehensive, Dr. Fauci does a cameo (!!), learned a lot. The queer community is incredible.
January 25, 2016
There are two things the world may not realize: one, that homosexuality has been in existence since the beginning of time (with variations worldwide of how homosexuals are treated throughout history and by which culture), and two, that “being gay” (more of a political declaration someone once said) is not much more than a half-century old. Lillian Faderman, noted LGBT author, addresses the latter struggle with great clarity and insight. As with much of the nonfiction I read, I first hear about this tome through C-SPAN’s forty-eight hour weekend programming, Book-TV. If your cable system doesn’t carry C-SPAN, you can access Faderman’s reading on Book-TV by clicking this link: http://www.c-span.org/video/?328566-1.... Her presentation is very compelling.
I’m also not sure the citizen-at-large understands how, legally, the deck has been stacked against gay people in this culture for decades if not centuries. There is a time, according to Faderman, when not even the ACLU would handle Gay Rights cases. There is a time that the mere whisper of your name in the wrong circles could cost you your job or career. She documents this assertion with notable case after case. The first real fighter for men is the Mattachine Society established in the 1950s. For lesbians it is the Daughters of Bilitis.
Faderman’s book, including copious Notes and Index, is nearly 800 pages long, but she leaves no story untold: Gay Liberation of the jubilant seventies, the AIDS crisis of the eighties and nineties (which is ongoing). The struggle for gay men and lesbian women to serve in the military. The struggle to achieve the right to marry. The transgendered. She documents every stage of our struggle with accurate, historical detail, yet with a prose that is compelling.
A few golden nuggets concerning this valiant struggle:
Even as late as 2013, this long-time teacher, Carla Hale, loses her job because her sexuality is made known by way of her lover’s newspaper obituary! Private school or no, this kind of action must stop.
For anyone, old or young, struggling to understand the history of the LGBT community in this country, Faderman’s book is required reading. I found a copy at our local B & N. Go figure.
I’m also not sure the citizen-at-large understands how, legally, the deck has been stacked against gay people in this culture for decades if not centuries. There is a time, according to Faderman, when not even the ACLU would handle Gay Rights cases. There is a time that the mere whisper of your name in the wrong circles could cost you your job or career. She documents this assertion with notable case after case. The first real fighter for men is the Mattachine Society established in the 1950s. For lesbians it is the Daughters of Bilitis.
Faderman’s book, including copious Notes and Index, is nearly 800 pages long, but she leaves no story untold: Gay Liberation of the jubilant seventies, the AIDS crisis of the eighties and nineties (which is ongoing). The struggle for gay men and lesbian women to serve in the military. The struggle to achieve the right to marry. The transgendered. She documents every stage of our struggle with accurate, historical detail, yet with a prose that is compelling.
A few golden nuggets concerning this valiant struggle:
“In California, there was Atascadero State Hospital, constructed in 1954 at the cost to taxpayers of over $10 million (almost $110 million in today’s money). Atascadero was a maximum-security psychiatric prison on the central coast where mentally disordered male lawbreakers [including homosexuals] from all over California were incarcerated. Inmates were treated at Atascadero by a variety of methods, including electroconvulsive therapy; lobotomy; sterilization, and hormone injections. Anectine was used often for ‘behavior modification.’ It was a muscle relaxant, which gave the person to whom it was administered the sensation of choking or drowning, while he received the message from the doctor that if he didn’t change his behavior he would die” (10).
“They agreed the manifesto must say that lesbians are just like other women, but more so. ‘A lesbian is the rage of all women condensed to the point of explosion’ would be their opening line. They’d say that heterosexual women become feminists when they finally understand that society doesn’t allow them to be complete and free human beings—but lesbians had always understood that. Feminists are finally realizing that sex roles dehumanize women—but lesbians had always understood that; they’d always refused to accept the limitations and oppressions imposed by the womanly role” (233).
“To be sure, in the years after Frank Kameny’s [one of the pioneering activists] death the advance in rights hasn’t been without setback and confrontation. For instance, the continued failure of Congress to pass a no-exemption Employment Non-Discrimination Act wreaked mischief, as in the case of a much-loved fifty-seven-year-old physical education teacher at a Catholic school in a suburb of Columbus, Ohio” (631).
Even as late as 2013, this long-time teacher, Carla Hale, loses her job because her sexuality is made known by way of her lover’s newspaper obituary! Private school or no, this kind of action must stop.
For anyone, old or young, struggling to understand the history of the LGBT community in this country, Faderman’s book is required reading. I found a copy at our local B & N. Go figure.
December 21, 2015
Absolutely incredible. A stunning work that reflects the love and devotion of the author to the issue. The research she must have done to create this book is mind boggling. I cannot recall reading such an impressively researched and written book since I discovered John Boswell's opus magnus more than 25 years ago. This book ranks up there with that one in its thoroughness.
Faderman had succeeded in doing what I think needs to be done -- she has put faces of real people to the history of the gay struggle. She tells the stories of people who have been bullied, in some cases to death, simply for being who they were born to be. She tells the story of a retired admiral in the US Navy who was reactivated just so he could be kicked out and have his benefits taken away -- even though he had been retired for more than 10 years. She tells the story of a highly respected college professor who was admired by his students, colleagues, and everyone who came in contact with him, until he was accused of being gay. Then he lost his job, his career, his identity, his friends, everything.
She tells the stories of the founders of the Gay Activists Alliance in late 1969. Here is where I must fault Faderman. She did such an impressive job researching this book so I wonder how she missed one of the original founders, Tom Doerr. Tom's name and story should have been included since he was the person who gave us the lambda symbol, first as the "brand" of GAA and then as a symbol of gay pride worldwide for generations. This story should have been included. It could have been condensed to a couple of paragraphs, but it should have been included.
Probably everyone has stories that could have been included because sadly there have been many casualties along the road to the revolution. And despite the progress we've made, the struggle goes on and will go on. Faderman has given us a rich history to help us see the people who came before us, on whose shoulders we are standing now.
Well done, Dr. Faderman. Well done and thank you for this impressive history. For anyone thinking of reading it, stop thinking and just pick it up and read it. You will be enriched by the experience.
Faderman had succeeded in doing what I think needs to be done -- she has put faces of real people to the history of the gay struggle. She tells the stories of people who have been bullied, in some cases to death, simply for being who they were born to be. She tells the story of a retired admiral in the US Navy who was reactivated just so he could be kicked out and have his benefits taken away -- even though he had been retired for more than 10 years. She tells the story of a highly respected college professor who was admired by his students, colleagues, and everyone who came in contact with him, until he was accused of being gay. Then he lost his job, his career, his identity, his friends, everything.
She tells the stories of the founders of the Gay Activists Alliance in late 1969. Here is where I must fault Faderman. She did such an impressive job researching this book so I wonder how she missed one of the original founders, Tom Doerr. Tom's name and story should have been included since he was the person who gave us the lambda symbol, first as the "brand" of GAA and then as a symbol of gay pride worldwide for generations. This story should have been included. It could have been condensed to a couple of paragraphs, but it should have been included.
Probably everyone has stories that could have been included because sadly there have been many casualties along the road to the revolution. And despite the progress we've made, the struggle goes on and will go on. Faderman has given us a rich history to help us see the people who came before us, on whose shoulders we are standing now.
Well done, Dr. Faderman. Well done and thank you for this impressive history. For anyone thinking of reading it, stop thinking and just pick it up and read it. You will be enriched by the experience.
July 7, 2019
I listened to the audio book of The Gay Revolution: The Story of the Struggle while in NYC for the 50th anniversary of the Stonewall Riots. My rating of the audio book is 4.5.
The Gay Revolution is an excellent survey of the political and legal struggle for LGBTQ equality. The first 60% of the book is incredibly detailed history of the oppression of members of the LGBtQ community by the government, psychiatric, and religious establishments through 1979. The remaining 40% moves more swiftly through the AIDS epidemic, Supreme Court cases, passage and final repeal of Don't Ask Do't Tell, and the long and winding road to relationship recognition and marriage equality. I would have liked more detail on the latter portion. Perhaps Faderman thought these topics have already been extensively covered other works.
I would recommend this book to any history lover who wants to better understand the origins of the gay rights movement in America and the numerous people engaged in the struggle for equality and acceptance of LGBTQ people.
The Gay Revolution is an excellent survey of the political and legal struggle for LGBTQ equality. The first 60% of the book is incredibly detailed history of the oppression of members of the LGBtQ community by the government, psychiatric, and religious establishments through 1979. The remaining 40% moves more swiftly through the AIDS epidemic, Supreme Court cases, passage and final repeal of Don't Ask Do't Tell, and the long and winding road to relationship recognition and marriage equality. I would have liked more detail on the latter portion. Perhaps Faderman thought these topics have already been extensively covered other works.
I would recommend this book to any history lover who wants to better understand the origins of the gay rights movement in America and the numerous people engaged in the struggle for equality and acceptance of LGBTQ people.
September 2, 2019
I read this because audible had it on sale for around 5 dollars and I didn't know much about the history. It was presented largely in the form of case studies and vignettes which definitely made it interesting, but as a result I still don't feel like I know the history that well. That's alright, but I just think that the author should have considered including an overview to tie all the stories together. It felt somewhat like a 100 level university course quickly breezing through a lot of history with surprisingly little help stringing it all together.
December 15, 2021
After 4 years dedicated to my degree in this subject, it was a great experience to have a comprehensive yet consolidated account of the history I’d dedicated my college career to. Its readability makes it a great reference for those who have studied the topic and those who are coming to it for the first time alike.
September 25, 2018
This book is an incredible resource for the LGBTQ community regarding our history and progress in the United States. Limited to the last century, and at times, overly focused on homosexual identified men and lesbian women (rather than non-binary/bisexual/trans folx) this book still illuminates quite a bit.
I learned so much from this book. Standout chapters for me were the ones on the history of the political group Lavender Menace and the Lesbian separatist movement, the Stonewall riots, the Harvey Milk assassination, the AIDS crisis, LGBTQ history of the military, the murders of Matthew Shepard and Brandon Teena, the Edith Windsor / Thea Spyer case, and a few others. This book is not comprehensive, but it certainly covers much of known queer history.
Be forewarned, however- there are graphic writings about the history of queer people- their murders, abuse, psychological violence (conversion therapy, lobotomies, etc.) and suffering. But it is also a story of hope and determination and the diversity of the movement. It was extremely useful to me.
I learned so much from this book. Standout chapters for me were the ones on the history of the political group Lavender Menace and the Lesbian separatist movement, the Stonewall riots, the Harvey Milk assassination, the AIDS crisis, LGBTQ history of the military, the murders of Matthew Shepard and Brandon Teena, the Edith Windsor / Thea Spyer case, and a few others. This book is not comprehensive, but it certainly covers much of known queer history.
Be forewarned, however- there are graphic writings about the history of queer people- their murders, abuse, psychological violence (conversion therapy, lobotomies, etc.) and suffering. But it is also a story of hope and determination and the diversity of the movement. It was extremely useful to me.
January 10, 2021
When I was in high school in the 80s, I didn’t even know any out gay people. How far we’ve come. This book chronicles gay and lesbian life in America from the 1950s to today, the progress and the setbacks. Toward the end, many of the villains of 2020 (Mike Pence, for example) make appearances, which just shows we have a ways to go.
Another thing I liked about this book was the full inclusion of the lesbian community, which often gets short shrift in these stories.
Another thing I liked about this book was the full inclusion of the lesbian community, which often gets short shrift in these stories.
May 31, 2023
A broad and comprehensive overview of LGBT struggles in the USA ranging from the 1950's up to modern day. I can't imagine the amount of research it took to assemble this book while seamlessly stitching together countless sources that led to its relatively easy readability. While being broad in scope, I trust this book is a great starting point for someone who is beginning to familiarize themselves with LGBT matters as there are many lessons and virtues that I will takeaway from this book. Incredibly informative, an important history, and enjoyable to read.
Now for me to bitch a lil bit. Countless anecdotes were presented to draw in the reader; however, I personally didn't feel much of an emotional investment until halfway through the book. I would chalk it up to the fact that there was an abundance of anecdotes that felt choppy and lacked context or a connection to the status quo at the given time period. Also trying to remember all of the names and acronyms became overwhelming early on. While definitely recounting a compelling story, I can't help but acknowledge that I thought there was a lack of critical analysis as part of the author's responsibility. Another reviewer mentioned it best that Faderman "gives the final word to the assimilationists" and often sides with the mainstream views and opinions. Another sticking point was the loose comparison between the black civil rights movement and gay civil rights without delving into any of the nuances between the two movements. Lastly, Faderman's own beliefs occasionally interweaved into the narrative (especially when it came to her admiration for Obama) and made her bias clear which I didn't appreciate.
Now for me to bitch a lil bit. Countless anecdotes were presented to draw in the reader; however, I personally didn't feel much of an emotional investment until halfway through the book. I would chalk it up to the fact that there was an abundance of anecdotes that felt choppy and lacked context or a connection to the status quo at the given time period. Also trying to remember all of the names and acronyms became overwhelming early on. While definitely recounting a compelling story, I can't help but acknowledge that I thought there was a lack of critical analysis as part of the author's responsibility. Another reviewer mentioned it best that Faderman "gives the final word to the assimilationists" and often sides with the mainstream views and opinions. Another sticking point was the loose comparison between the black civil rights movement and gay civil rights without delving into any of the nuances between the two movements. Lastly, Faderman's own beliefs occasionally interweaved into the narrative (especially when it came to her admiration for Obama) and made her bias clear which I didn't appreciate.
April 4, 2023
Excellent book. So much great history about things I didn’t know, or knew very little, about Queer history.
My only real criticism is that there could have been more information about trans rights and queer POC as the only significant mention was during the discussion on Stonewall.
My only real criticism is that there could have been more information about trans rights and queer POC as the only significant mention was during the discussion on Stonewall.
March 20, 2024
really informative and easy to read!!!!
March 8, 2017
A comprehensive history of the struggle for gay civil rights in the US from the 1940s to present-day. Faderman has a gift for history--in all the times I put the book down and wandered over to something else, I was able to keep track of all the players she mentioned, rather than coming back in confusion. ("Who is Frank Kameny, anyway?") The book itself is well-written and, at times, shocking--having such a comprehensive review made me realize just how many gains have been made over my lifetime. Having the timescale really helped.
Do note that the focus in this book is gay & lesbian, bisexual, and then transgender/other--in that precise order. It's called the gay revolution for a reason. I don't fault Faderman for writing what she knows, but it would've been nice to have an additional chapter at the end detailing modern trans struggles and the ongoing fight for those civil rights. It was somewhat glossed over in other chapters--Brandon Teena's mentioned in the context of hate crimes, but that's a separate fight that's definitely nowhere close to being finished. Acknowledgement of all that's yet to come would've been helpful.
The other thing I had a minor qualm with was the organization. For the first half of the book or so, everything was chronological. Around section seven or eight, it broke off into subject-specific focuses, which was sort of nice but then each of those went chronologically, so you'd end one section in 2003 and begin the next back in 1970. Not sure how else I would've organized it, but those occasional shifts would be a wee bit jarring.
Still, if you're looking for a good primer/comprehensive review on the subject, this looks to be your best bet. I'd say use this as a springing-off point, after which you can read more detailed histories about some of the various subjects afterwards.
Do note that the focus in this book is gay & lesbian, bisexual, and then transgender/other--in that precise order. It's called the gay revolution for a reason. I don't fault Faderman for writing what she knows, but it would've been nice to have an additional chapter at the end detailing modern trans struggles and the ongoing fight for those civil rights. It was somewhat glossed over in other chapters--Brandon Teena's mentioned in the context of hate crimes, but that's a separate fight that's definitely nowhere close to being finished. Acknowledgement of all that's yet to come would've been helpful.
The other thing I had a minor qualm with was the organization. For the first half of the book or so, everything was chronological. Around section seven or eight, it broke off into subject-specific focuses, which was sort of nice but then each of those went chronologically, so you'd end one section in 2003 and begin the next back in 1970. Not sure how else I would've organized it, but those occasional shifts would be a wee bit jarring.
Still, if you're looking for a good primer/comprehensive review on the subject, this looks to be your best bet. I'd say use this as a springing-off point, after which you can read more detailed histories about some of the various subjects afterwards.
April 9, 2017
Quite lengthy, but very eye opening. Really digs deep into the gay fight for equality.
October 5, 2022
incredibly informative! i went in thinking it was more about the social reform of gayness but it was more focused on the decriminalization which is just as, if not more, important! just not what i was expecting so a bit tough to get through the heavy bits
September 22, 2015
Lillian Faderman, six-time Lambda Literary Award-winning historian of gay and lesbian history and literature, vividly brings to life the fight for LGBT rights in the United States with The Gay Revolution: The Story of the Struggle. This mammoth undertaking runs more than 800 pages, but it is highly readable, superbly researched and filled with fascinating stories.
While many believe the history of LGBT rights in the United States began with the 1969 Stonewall riots in New York City, Faderman (My Mother's Wars) begins her chronology with Henry Gerber forming the Society for Human Rights in Chicago in 1924. That short-lived organization inspired Harry Hay to create the Mattachine Society for gay men in 1950, and Del Martin and Phyllis Lyon to create its lesbian counterpart, the Daughters of Bilitis, in 1955. Although both organizations were fraught with infighting, power struggles and legal troubles (they were formed at the height of the McCarthy witch-hunt era), they helped members find self-esteem during very repressive times.
Post-Stonewall, Faderman delves into the prickly relationship between lesbians and the homophobic early leadership of the National Organization for Women (NOW); the rise and fall of Anita Bryant and her Save Our Children campaign; the election and assassination of Harvey Milk; and the AIDS pandemic and the creation of ACT-UP, with its savvy media committee. Faderman enlivens the courtroom gains and losses in the new millennium with first-hand testimonies of the backstage drama.
This is an essential guide to the gay and lesbian movement, brought to life by a meticulous historian who is also a natural storyteller. Discover the fascinating people and their heroic actions behind decades' worth of gradual change in the fight for LGBT civil rights in the United States.
While many believe the history of LGBT rights in the United States began with the 1969 Stonewall riots in New York City, Faderman (My Mother's Wars) begins her chronology with Henry Gerber forming the Society for Human Rights in Chicago in 1924. That short-lived organization inspired Harry Hay to create the Mattachine Society for gay men in 1950, and Del Martin and Phyllis Lyon to create its lesbian counterpart, the Daughters of Bilitis, in 1955. Although both organizations were fraught with infighting, power struggles and legal troubles (they were formed at the height of the McCarthy witch-hunt era), they helped members find self-esteem during very repressive times.
Post-Stonewall, Faderman delves into the prickly relationship between lesbians and the homophobic early leadership of the National Organization for Women (NOW); the rise and fall of Anita Bryant and her Save Our Children campaign; the election and assassination of Harvey Milk; and the AIDS pandemic and the creation of ACT-UP, with its savvy media committee. Faderman enlivens the courtroom gains and losses in the new millennium with first-hand testimonies of the backstage drama.
This is an essential guide to the gay and lesbian movement, brought to life by a meticulous historian who is also a natural storyteller. Discover the fascinating people and their heroic actions behind decades' worth of gradual change in the fight for LGBT civil rights in the United States.
October 17, 2015
This wonderful book is too long for me to read at the moment, but I read enough of it to know that it's a great read, so I look forward to reading it all at some point. After reading the prologue and the epilogue, I dipped in here and there, and am very impressed. I had never read about Dore Legg's "four horseman" concept of our enemies (back then): The Social, the Scientific, the Religious, and the Legal. And it was great to read about a series of early engagements that put us on the way to the amazing progress that has been made in my lifetime. Plenty still to do, of course, but we really have come an amazingly long way in a very short time. Another part of the story that I read was about Lesbian Feminism, and it was fascinating (Chapter 14). I'm taking it back to the library now, so others can read it, satisfied that it will be there for me to pick up again, when I have time for such a major tome. Highly recommended, based on what I read so far!
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