Historical Dictionary of the Lesbian and Gay Liberation Movements
By (author) JoAnne Myers
Publication date:
19 September 2013Length of book:
516 pagesPublisher
Scarecrow PressISBN-13: 9780810872264
Not so long ago hardly anything was said of the Lesbian Liberation Movement and the Gay Liberation Movement, indeed, the terms gay and lesbian were not even used if some other expression could be found. Today, by contrast, hardly a day passes when something important does not occur, and is carried by the major media and disseminated on more personal levels through blogs and the social media. If anything, there is perhaps too much “news” and not enough “information.” Obviously, a book like this cannot keep up with the news, but it can do something equally important when it comes to information, by reminding us of the past and what has been going and just how fast events are moving.
The Historical Dictionary of the Lesbian and Gay Liberation Movements covers the history of this movement through a cross-referenced dictionary with over 1000 entries on specific countries and regions, influential historical figures, laws that criminalized same-sex sexuality, various historical terms that have been used to refer to aspects of same-sex love, and contemporary events and legal decisions. Including a comprehensive chronology and bibliography, this book is an excellent access point for students, researchers, and anyone interested in learning more about the struggle for equality.
The Historical Dictionary of the Lesbian and Gay Liberation Movements covers the history of this movement through a cross-referenced dictionary with over 1000 entries on specific countries and regions, influential historical figures, laws that criminalized same-sex sexuality, various historical terms that have been used to refer to aspects of same-sex love, and contemporary events and legal decisions. Including a comprehensive chronology and bibliography, this book is an excellent access point for students, researchers, and anyone interested in learning more about the struggle for equality.
The phrase 'lesbian and gay liberation' has a historical context that is expertly explicated in the introduction; it is also acknowledged to be dated in a way. The datedness does not mean that this book is not pertinent. The 1,000 or so entries in this volume by Myers will be a godsend for researchers seeking to identify key figures and ideas from the past half-century. Most major topics are covered here. . . . However, the strength of this dictionary, as with many volumes in the 'Historical Dictionaries' series, is the coverage of minor topics that is otherwise difficult to locate. Other strengths are the chronology and schematic bibliography. The last is especially helpful because the volume of LGBT material is so large now that guidance is needed. Myers is well-qualified to provide it, having been involved in LGBT scholarship and activism for several decades. . . . Overall, this is a very valuable resource. . . . Summing Up: Highly recommended. Lower-division undergraduates and above; general readers.