History, United States, Gay & Lesbian, Sociology, Gay & Lesbian Studies 

This is one of the first books on the movement written specifically for introductory students. It examines gay and lesbian liberation from three different perspectives: as a sexual freedom movement, as a political movement and as a movement of ideas. Separate chapters treat gay culture, lesbian feminism and conflicts and debates within the movement. The book describes the historical roots of contemporary gay and lesbian liberation, its links to other progressive movements, and the impact of AIDS as well as the institutional homophobia and legal issues in some of the major gay and lesbian rights cases including the 1986 US Supreme Court decision upholding sodomy laws. This book, unlike many other commentators, assigns women a central role in the movement. The movement's shortcomings are discussed, as are its dramatic successes.