Radically Gay : Gay Liberation in the Words of Its Founder

by Harry Hay, Will Roscoe (Editor)

Gay Liberation in the Words of Its Founder

This is the first collection of the words and speeches of the founder of the Mattachine Society and the modern gay movement, and "provides wonderful glimpses into Hay's evolution from Marxist pedant to shamanic faerie elder."

Genres: LGBT, Queer, Nonfiction, History, Historical

384 pages, Paperback

First published June 30, 1997

Reviews

[D. Travers · Rating 3 out of 5]

While this book lacks the narrative propulsion of an (auto)biography --see Stuart Timmons' Trouble with Harry for that -- , it is nevertheless essential reading for any faerie or homogay wishing to understand how they got where they are today. Fascinating essays and commentary tracking Hay's journey through Marxism, Mattachine, Faeries, etc. Whether you agree with him or not, you have to ask: What other gay leader has come even close to this combination of identity politics and social; analysis, combined with larger coalition sensibilities?

[amira · Rating 4 out of 5]

Genuinely way too many quotes to pick just one, I dog eared so much that the book looks like a pack of American cheese.
I of course found this stimulating and intellectually passionate, though challenging. In part because it’s hard to believe that such expansive thought can date back so early! And tough to swallow that the fight for Queer legitimacy fell on deaf ears and that Hay’s legacy is beneath so much sand. I want to say I loved this but I can’t get over the lack of NAMBLA condemnation, that essay in particular felt like one big distraction. As well as this, Roscoe’s pieces (forward, editor) were a bit obnoxious and took so much away from Hay’s brilliance — I felt it could’ve been better organized and focused.
I would definitely recommend this as a piece for radical thought and think we should consider this a ripe collection of Queer history, one we deserve to know but perhaps…through the lips of a white man…perhaps we shouldn’t necessarily praise…to each their own.

[Resa Boydston · Rating 5 out of 5]

I learned a lot from this anthology of GLBT history. Harry Hay lays down a fine blueprint of what to do, and not to do in advocating for the GLBT community. GLBT people need to read and learn...and DO!

[TheCritterRick · Rating 5 out of 5]

Interesting read. It's a series of Hay's writings over his lifetime with introductions and context. Hay was a lot more philosophical/theoretical than I expected. While I don't always agree with what he says (he can overly romanticize same sex relationships), he brings up a lot of worthwhile topics.

[Steven Albrecht]

Harry Hay's essays about gay culture and gay identify are must reads.

[Christopher · Rating 2 out of 5]

I didn't finish it; i felt like it was trying too hard to be academic and i got bored. maybe it's me.