📖 Overview
Eric Marcus is an American journalist, author, and LGBTQ+ historian best known for documenting the history of the gay rights movement through oral histories and biographical works. His most prominent book "Making Gay History" (originally published as "Making History" in 1992) has become a cornerstone text chronicling the LGBTQ+ civil rights struggle through firsthand accounts.
Marcus served as an associate producer for the first season of ABC's "Good Morning America" and later authored several notable works including "Breaking the Surface," the autobiography of Olympic diver Greg Louganis which reached #1 on The New York Times bestseller list. His oral history work formed the basis for the "Making Gay History" podcast, which brings archival interviews with LGBTQ+ champions and witnesses to life.
Throughout his career, Marcus has focused on preserving and sharing stories from the LGBTQ+ community that might otherwise have been lost to history. His other significant works include "Why Suicide?" and "Is It A Choice?" which address complex social issues through research and personal narratives.
Marcus continues to write, speak, and serve as the founder and host of the "Making Gay History" podcast, which has reached listeners in more than 200 countries. He has earned numerous awards including the Randy Shilts Award for Gay Nonfiction and the Stonewall Book Award.
👀 Reviews
Readers praise Marcus's interview style and ability to present LGBTQ+ history through personal narratives. Multiple reviewers note his talent for letting subjects tell their own stories while providing clear historical context.
"Making Gay History" receives particular recognition for documenting lesser-known figures in the movement. A Goodreads reviewer wrote: "These intimate conversations reveal details you won't find in textbooks."
"Breaking the Surface" readers appreciate the balanced handling of Greg Louganis's story. One Amazon reviewer noted: "Marcus captures both triumph and struggle without sensationalism."
Some readers find the interview format in "Making Gay History" repetitive, preferring more narrative flow. A few reviewers mention wanting deeper analysis beyond the oral histories.
Ratings across platforms:
Making Gay History
- Goodreads: 4.2/5 (1,200+ ratings)
- Amazon: 4.5/5 (150+ ratings)
Breaking the Surface
- Goodreads: 4.1/5 (2,800+ ratings)
- Amazon: 4.7/5 (300+ ratings)
Why Suicide?
- Goodreads: 3.9/5 (200+ ratings)
- Amazon: 4.4/5 (50+ ratings)
📚 Books by Eric Marcus
Why Suicide?(2010) - A comprehensive examination of suicide, combining scientific research, interviews with survivors, and practical guidance for those affected by suicide.
Breaking the Surface(1995) - The co-written autobiography of Olympic diving champion Greg Louganis, detailing his life, career, and coming out as gay and HIV-positive.
Making Gay History (2002) - A chronological documentation of the LGBTQ civil rights movement through firsthand accounts and interviews with activists and witnesses.
What If Someone I Know Is Gay?(2000) - A question-and-answer format book addressing common questions about sexual orientation for young readers.
Is It A Choice?(2005) - A collection of answers to frequently asked questions about sexual orientation and LGBTQ identities.
Together Forever(1998) - A guide examining gay and lesbian relationships, featuring interviews with couples about their experiences maintaining long-term partnerships.
Coming Out to Parents(1994) - A practical resource for LGBTQ individuals navigating the process of coming out to family members.
Making History (1992) - A collection of oral histories documenting the gay rights movement in America from the 1940s through the 1990s.
Icebreaker@ (2024) - A biography of Art Seidenbaum, who faced discrimination as an openly gay hockey player in the 1970s.
Breaking the Surface(1995) - The co-written autobiography of Olympic diving champion Greg Louganis, detailing his life, career, and coming out as gay and HIV-positive.
Making Gay History (2002) - A chronological documentation of the LGBTQ civil rights movement through firsthand accounts and interviews with activists and witnesses.
What If Someone I Know Is Gay?(2000) - A question-and-answer format book addressing common questions about sexual orientation for young readers.
Is It A Choice?(2005) - A collection of answers to frequently asked questions about sexual orientation and LGBTQ identities.
Together Forever(1998) - A guide examining gay and lesbian relationships, featuring interviews with couples about their experiences maintaining long-term partnerships.
Coming Out to Parents(1994) - A practical resource for LGBTQ individuals navigating the process of coming out to family members.
Making History (1992) - A collection of oral histories documenting the gay rights movement in America from the 1940s through the 1990s.
Icebreaker@ (2024) - A biography of Art Seidenbaum, who faced discrimination as an openly gay hockey player in the 1970s.
👥 Similar authors
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Martin Duberman produces both academic and narrative nonfiction works about LGBTQ+ figures and movements throughout American history. His biographical approach combines scholarly research with personal narratives and social context.
Lillian Faderman chronicles lesbian history and feminist movements through comprehensive historical accounts. She documents LGBTQ+ experiences from the 19th century through modern times with emphasis on social and cultural evolution.
Randy Shilts reported on AIDS crisis history and LGBTQ+ civil rights through investigative journalism. His books combine personal stories with detailed political and medical documentation of pivotal moments in gay rights history.
George Chauncey explores gay male urban culture and community formation in early-to-mid 20th century America. His research reconstructs pre-Stonewall gay life through examination of police records, newspapers, and oral histories.