Queer Legacies

“An inspiring overview of . . . perseverance, poignant losses, and stirring collective gains. . . . As much a work of love . . . as it is a work of history.” ―PopMatters

The variety of LGBTQ life in Chicago is too abundant and too diverse to be contained in a single place. But since 1981, the Gerber/Hart Library and Archives has striven to do just that, amassing a wealth of records related to the city’s gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, and queer-identified people and organizations. In Queer Legacies, John D’Emilio—a pioneering scholar in the field—digs deep into Gerber/Hart’s collection to unearth a kaleidoscopic look at the communities built by generations of LGBTQ people.

Excavated from one of the country’s most important, yet overlooked, LGBTQ archives, D’Emilio’s entertaining and enthusiastic essays range in focus from politics and culture to social life, academia, and religion. He gives readers an inclusive and personal look at fifty years of a national fight for visibility, recognition, and equality led by LGBTQ Americans who, quite literally, made history. In these troubled times, it will surely inspire a new generation of scholars and activists.

“D’Emilio has turned archives into allies, expanding a community’s understanding of itself and its commitments.” ―Third Coast Review

“As entertaining as it is intellectually stimulating.” ―Soziopolis

“A valuable and vibrant guide to one of our most important LGBTQ collections.” ―Claire Potter, author of Political Junkies

“Wonderfully evocative . . . unparalleled . . . fascinating. . . . a front-row seat to over fifty years of community building and activism.” ―David K. Johnson, author of The Lavender Scare: The Cold War Persecution of Gays and Lesbians in the Federal Government

“This sparkling account has much to offer LGBTQ historians and activists.” ―Publishers Weekly