George Chauncey Books

This richly revealing anthology brings together for the first time the vital new scholarly studies now lifting the veil from the gay and lesbian past. Such notable researchers as John Boswell, Shari Benstock, Jeffrey Weeks and John D'Emilio illuminate gay and lesbian life as it evolved in places as diverse as the Athens of Plato, Renaissance Italy, Victorian London, Jazz Age Harlem, Revolutionary Russia, Nazi Germany, Casto's Cuba - and peoples as varied as South African black miners, American Indians, Chinese courtiers, Japanese samurai, English schoolboys and girls, and urban working women. Gender and sexuality, repression and resistance, deviance and acceptance, identity and community - all are given a context in this fascinating work.

The book explores the historical context behind the contentious debate over gay marriage, highlighting the evolving attitudes of heterosexual Americans towards the LGBTQ+ community. George Chauncey analyzes the factors that have led to both increased acceptance and backlash against gay rights, framing marriage as a pivotal issue in the struggle for equality. By examining the stakes involved for both proponents and opponents of gay marriage, the book serves as an insightful resource for readers interested in understanding this complex social issue.