Gay and Lesbian St. Louis - by Steven Louis Brawley & St Louis Lgbt History Project (Hardcover)

Book Synopsis

In the late 19th century, St. Louis--America's fourth-largest city--was a hub of robust commerce and risque entertainment. It provided an oasis for those who lived "in the shadows." Since 1764, the Gateway to the West's LGBT community has experienced countless struggles and successes, including protests, arrests, murders, celebrations, and parades. St. Louis had its own version of Stonewall in October 1969 and is the hometown of icons such as Tennessee Williams and Josephine Baker. A colorful array of activists, drag queens, leather men, artists, academics, business leaders, and everyday folks have contributed to the rich fabric of the lesbian and gay community in St. Louis."

Review Quotes

"Years of Steven Louis Brawley's hard work can now be had in a convenient paperback format. . . .The photo-driven volume lays out much of the city's LGBT history in cogent, digestible chapters. Dip into the very earliest days in the Pioneers section, where you can learn about Native American practices and expat St. Louisan Josephine Baker's same-sex loves. Stop by places that had an impact, like the Sunshine Inn, a vegetarian cafe that in 1987 hosted a national meeting of the National Coalition of Black Lesbians and Gays; and bars like FACES and Clementine's. Revisit Milestones like Oscar Wilde's visit to the city in 1882, and the beginning of Pride in 1980. Learn about crucial Groups like Joan Lipkin's That Uppity Theatre Company and Dignity St. Louis. And peek at Everyday Life, like float trips, christenings and plain old porch parties.""St. Louis Magazine"
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