Michael Bronski Libros

In this collection, some of the most talented gay writers reveal their complex relationships with their families, showcasing unique yet universally relatable experiences. Each essay, written specifically for this anthology, explores themes of acceptance, rejection, and love without relying on stereotypes. John Preston opens with a reflection on the impact of an angry letter he left for his parents, which affected his younger brother in unexpected ways. Other contributors share their own stories of letters, conflicts, and reconciliations. Michael Nava delves into the life of his stoic grandfather, while Eric Latzky poignantly portrays his grandfather, Louis. Larry Duplechan mixes humor and poignancy in his depiction of his mother, who had a tough reaction to his coming out but still embraced him as her child. Harlan Greene's experiences growing up with Holocaust survivor parents left him with deep scars, and Brian Kirkpatrick offers a powerful introspection on being abandoned in a Catholic orphanage. Through their candid narratives, the twenty-four authors craft modern American literature from their autobiographical experiences, revealing profound truths about their lives and, in turn, about our own. This collection is a deeply emotional and beautifully conceived exploration of family dynamics.

"A Queer History of the United States is groundbreaking and accessible. It looks at how American culture has shaped the LGBT, or queer, experience, while simultaneously arguing that LGBT people not only shaped but were pivotal in creating our country. Using numerous primary documents and literature, as well as social histories, Bronski's book takes the reader through the centuries--from Columbus' arrival and the brutal treatment the Native peoples received, through the American Revolution's radical challenging of sex and gender roles--to the violent, and liberating, 19th century--and the transformative social justice movements of the 20th. Bronski's book is filled with startling examples of often ignored or unknown aspects of American history: the ineffectiveness of sodomy laws in the colonies, the prevalence of cross-dressing women soldiers in the Civil War, the effect of new technologies on LGBT life in the 19th century, and how rock music and popular culture were, in large part, responsible for the great backlash against gay rights in the late 1970s. More than anything, A Queer History of the United States is not so much about queer history as it is about all American history--and why it should matter to both LGBT people and heterosexuals alike"-- Provided by publisher

Presents a bold and accessible overview of LGBTQ+ history: the good, the bad, and the clandestine. Discover the rich and complex history of LGBTQ+ people around the world—their struggles, triumphs, and cultural contributions. Exploring and explaining the most important ideas and events in LGBTQ+ history and culture, this book showcases the breadth of the LGBTQ+ experience. This diverse, global account explores the most important moments, movements, and phenomena, from the first known lesbian love poetry of Sappho to the Kinseys' modern sexuality studies, and features biographies of key figures from Anne Lister to Allen Ginsberg. The LGBTQ+ History Book celebrates the victories and untold triumphs of LGBTQ+ people throughout history, such as the Stonewall Riots and first transgender surgeries, as well as commemorating moments of tragedy and persecution, from the Renaissance Italian “Night Police” to the 20th century “Don’t Ask Don’t Tell” policy. The book also includes major cultural cornerstones—the secret language of polari, Black and Latinx ballroom culture, and the many flags of the community—and the history of LGBTQ+ spaces, from 18th-century “molly houses” to modern “gayborhoods.” Using the “Big Ideas” series’ trademark combination of authoritative, accessible text and bold graphics, The LGBTQ+ History Book celebrates the long, proud—and often hidden—history of LGBTQ+ people, cultures, and places from around the world.