About Time: Exploring the Gay Past

About Time: Exploring the Gay Past collects essays and writings by historian Martin Duberman examining LGBTQ+ history from the colonial era through the 20th century. The book combines academic research with personal reflections as Duberman investigates previously overlooked aspects of queer life in America. The essays cover topics ranging from same-sex relationships in early American settlements to the emergence of gay rights activism in the 1960s and 70s. Duberman draws from letters, diaries, court records and other primary sources to reconstruct the experiences of LGBTQ+ individuals across different time periods and social contexts. Duberman's dual role as both historian and gay man informs his approach to documenting and analyzing these histories. The collection includes both scholarly analysis and more personal pieces reflecting on the author's own experiences and evolution of understanding. The work stands as an important contribution to queer historiography, challenging assumptions about sexuality throughout American history while highlighting the complexities of studying and writing about marginalized communities.

Readers describe this book as a detailed look at gay history that fills gaps in traditional historical accounts. The essays explore various periods and perspectives on LGBTQ life before Stonewall. Readers appreciated: - The depth of academic research - Personal narratives mixed with historical analysis - Focus on lesser-known historical figures and events - Clear writing style that makes academic content accessible Common criticisms: - Some essays feel dated or repetitive - Academic tone can be dry in places - Limited coverage of lesbian and trans history - Northeast US focus with less global perspective Review Scores: Goodreads: 3.8/5 (42 ratings) Amazon: 4.3/5 (6 ratings) Sample reader comment: "Duberman brings hidden gay history to light through meticulous research, though the academic style won't appeal to all readers." - Goodreads reviewer The book has limited online reviews, likely due to its academic nature and original 1991 publication date.

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Making Gay History by Eric Marcus First-person accounts and interviews capture LGBTQ+ experiences across decades of American social change.

Gay New York by George Chauncey An examination of pre-Stonewall gay male urban culture reveals the existence of complex social networks and communities in New York City from 1890-1940.

The Gay Revolution by Lillian Faderman A documentation of the fight for LGBTQ+ rights in America from the 1950s through the twenty-first century draws from interviews, diaries, and archival materials.

Coming Out Under Fire by Allan Bérubé A study of gay men and women in the American military during World War II uncovers their experiences through letters, interviews, and military documents.

🕰️ The book was groundbreaking when published in 1986 for its dual approach - combining traditional historical research with personal narrative about Duberman's own experiences as a gay man. 🎓 Martin Duberman founded the first LGBT studies program in the United States at City University of New York (CUNY) in 1991, five years after publishing this book. 📚 "About Time" was one of the first mainstream academic works to openly challenge the notion that homosexuality was a mental illness, drawing on both historical evidence and contemporary medical research. ✍️ The author faced significant professional risks writing this book, as being openly gay in academia during the 1980s could seriously damage or end careers. 🏛️ The book explores several forgotten episodes in LGBTQ+ history, including the 1934 Harlem drag balls and early gay rights organizations from the 1920s that had been largely erased from historical records.