The diverse landscape of gay and lesbian Philadelphia is a story of highs and lows. From rustic post-Civil War days when Camden poet Walt Whitman crossed the Delaware River on a ferry or caroused Market Street "eyeing" the grocery boys; to the beginnings of ACT UP more than one hundred years later; the gay and lesbian community in Philadelphia has never lost its flair for the dramatic.Gay and Lesbian Philadelphia is a historical look at the neighborhoods; events; and people that have been a part of this community. The 1920s saw the birth of private dance bars on Rittenhouse Square. It was a time when drag shows in straight bars were the order of the day; as was the presence of men in drag during the annual Mummers Parade on New Years Day. The pre-Civil Rights era; when segregation was the status quo; saw the proliferation of African American house parties in neighborhoods such as North Philadelphia; where black gays and lesbians formed a community. During the 1950s and 1960s; Rittenhouse Square was the site of informal public gatherings. These gatherings of friends and strangers helped set the stage for the Annual Reminder; the first public protest in support of "homosexual equal rights;" which took place every Fourth of July at Independence Hall. Throughout all of these eras; members of the community faced challenges; celebrated victories; and continued to try to blend their lives with those of their gay and straight neighbors.
#1003598 in eBooks 2004-01-06 2004-01-06File Name: B009A3ES1U
Review
2 of 2 people found the following review helpful. Great for Historical ProspectivesBy Brenda OzogI purchased this book to help teach students the history of our organizations in Wayne County. especially in the medical area. It allows one to see how things started in the past and progress. over time. for our benefit. I just love these books and they are easy to read through in a short period of time.4 of 5 people found the following review helpful. Michigan TB HospitalsBy TauperI am working on my Family Tree. where my Grandfather died in a hospital called. the Detroit Tuberculosis Sanatorium. I wanted to add the hospitals address into his file. and what a job that turned into. I searched for several months on-line and in making several long distance phone calls to various government offices. all to no avail. Knowing the hospital existed. and finding a legal document proved impossible. until I purchased this book "Detroits Hospitals. Healers. and Helpers". The fourth page I turned gave me my answer. and with it I was able to connect the legal document with the address. This book is well priced. filed with lots of photos. and lost archive information. It deserves my (5) star rating. both in price and information.
