When Barack Obama spoke out in favor of same-sex marriage last month, it was seen by many as a capstone of several years of stunning gains in gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender civil rights across the U.S. But with anti-gay laws still on the books and no cessation in hate crimes, is it really time to declare Victory? Linda Hirshman may not fully convince readers the battle has been won, but her inclusive and fascinating history of "the triumphant gay revolution" is an excellent primer in what has been accomplished so far.
Hirshman is no stranger to audacious declarations--Get to Work (2006) drew sharp criticism for chastising stay-at-home moms--but this time, she's in full cheerleader mode, ferreting out brave heroes from the darkest days of gay oppression as well as hitting all the requisite subjects (Stonewall, Harvey Milk, ACT-UP, Matthew Shepard) for a popular history of gay rights. Her research and interviews bring forth many provocative ideas ripe for debate. Did the AIDS crisis and the panic that ensued slow the gains of the 1970s, or did the image of the martyred victims finally humanize gay males to the general public? Has the focus on same-sex marriage silenced the more outrageous, non-conforming voices in the movement? These issues, like her titular declaration, are likely to stir passionate debate; hopefully, the value of this sweeping and affectionate history won't be lost in the noise. --Cherie Ann Parker, freelance journalist and book critic