This book, 'A Queer History of the United States' by Michael Bronski, provides a comprehensive look at the history of the American queer community from European colonization to 1990. It covers a wide range of topics, from the early American history to post-WWII era, offering analysis and insights into the motivations behind historical events. The author includes quotes from ordinary people struggling with their sexuality throughout history, shedding light on both the oppression and support within the community. The book delves into various aspects of queer history, offering a broader view of non-heteronormative behavior beyond just gay history.

Writing/Prose:

The writing style is academic and informative, engaging the reader deeply with complex ideas while remaining dense and challenging to process in a quick read.

Plot/Storyline:

The plot provides a broad overview of LGBTQIA history in the United States, spanning from early colonization to the late 1990s, while highlighting the involvement of queer individuals in various historical contexts.

Setting:

The setting encompasses the entire span of American history from European colonization to the 1990s, exploring various social, cultural, and political landscapes relevant to queer history.

Pacing:

The pacing is slow and deliberate, encouraging deep contemplation rather than quick reading, with a dense presentation of information.

If you were to ask average Americans when lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender history started in this nation, some would cite the Stonewall “riots” that took place in New York’s Greenwich Village ...

Genres:

historical

academic

nonfiction

Topics:

Notes:

The book covers LGBTQIA history from European colonization to the 1990s.

It includes a chapter on the production and marketing of gender, which was found to be enjoyable.

Many bisexual, asexual, and trans stories are often overlooked or erased in the narrative.

Though it critiques racism, some readers feel it maintains a white-centered perspective.

Bronski attempts to discuss intersectionality but is critiqued for superficial comparisons between the struggles of different marginalized groups.

The book often focuses on white gay and lesbian narratives, with less attention to non-binary or trans experiences.

Bronski is praised for quoting Audre Lorde but criticized for not deeply engaging with her ideas.

It highlights the LGBTQIA presence throughout U.S. history, emphasizing it's more than just gay history.

Despite its flaws, readers found value in its unique perspective on non-heteronormative behavior.

It contains a lot of insight but can feel dated, missing contemporary understandings of gender identity.

Sensitive Topics/Content Warnings

Content warnings include discussions on oppression, erasure, intersectionality issues, and potentially triggering histories surrounding race and sexuality.

From The Publisher:

Winner of a 2012 Stonewall Book Award in nonfiction

A Queer History of the United States is more than a "who's who" of queer history: it is a book that radically challenges how we understand American history. Drawing upon primary-source documents, literature, and cultural histories, scholar and activist Michael Bronski charts the breadth of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender history, from 1492 to the 1990s.

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A Queer History of the United States

Michael Bronski