My American History

My American History collects Sarah Schulman's journalism and activist writing from the Reagan-Bush era, documenting LGBTQ+ experiences and political movements during a pivotal period in American history. The book includes her firsthand coverage of ACT UP demonstrations, lesbian activism, and cultural shifts of the 1980s and early 1990s. The collection features both published articles and previously unreleased material, including the complete text of the Lesbian Avenger Handbook - a practical guide for grassroots organizing and direct action. Schulman's reporting spans major events like the emergence of the AIDS crisis, battles over gay rights legislation, and the rise of queer activism. Through articles, essays, and movement documents, the book preserves a crucial historical record of LGBTQ+ resistance and community building during a period of intense social change and backlash. The writing examines intersections between sexuality, politics, healthcare access, and civil rights. My American History stands as both journalism and movement history, capturing how marginalized communities organized to demand recognition and rights in the face of institutional neglect and discrimination. The book provides insight into the development of radical queer politics and the roots of contemporary LGBTQ+ activism.

This book appears to have limited reviews and reader responses online, with minimal presence on major book review sites. Readers appreciated: - Firsthand accounts of ACT UP activism and the AIDS crisis - Documentation of 1980s-90s lesbian feminism and politics - Clear writing style that breaks down complex social movements - Personal stories interwoven with political analysis Common criticisms: - Some essays feel dated or too specific to their time period - Uneven quality between different sections - Can be dense with activist terminology and references Available Ratings: Goodreads: 4.13/5 (31 ratings, 3 written reviews) No ratings found on Amazon or other major review sites Notable reader comment: "Important historical document of lesbian activism and ACT UP, though some chapters are stronger than others" - Goodreads reviewer The book appears in many LGBTQ reading lists but has limited general audience reviews online.

The Politics of AIDS by Randy Shilts A chronicle of AIDS activism and government response in 1980s America through first-hand accounts and investigative reporting.

Women Together, Women Alone by Nancy L. Fischer An examination of feminist movements and lesbian communities in the United States from 1970-1990.

Moving Politics by Deborah Gould A documentation of ACT UP's emergence and impact on healthcare activism through archival research and participant interviews.

Sexual Politics, Sexual Communities by John D'Emilio A history of the American homophile movement from World War II through the Stonewall era.

The Rise of a Gay and Lesbian Movement by Barry D. Adam A comprehensive analysis of LGBTQ+ organizing and resistance from the 1950s through the AIDS crisis.

🌟 The author, Sarah Schulman, is also a distinguished professor at the City University of New York (CUNY) and has written over 20 books spanning multiple genres. 🌟 The Lesbian Avengers, featured prominently in the book, were known for their dramatic protest tactics, including eating fire during demonstrations - a symbol of fighting back against anti-LGBTQ+ violence. 🌟 Many of the original articles in this collection were written during the height of the AIDS crisis, when mainstream media often ignored or misrepresented LGBTQ+ issues. 🌟 The book covers the period when sodomy laws were still constitutional in the US (they weren't struck down until 2003 in Lawrence v. Texas), providing crucial context for the legal battles of the era. 🌟 The grassroots organizing techniques documented in the Lesbian Avenger Handbook have influenced activist movements well beyond LGBTQ+ causes, including modern social justice organizations.