Stonewall by Martin Duberman

Category: 50 Books

stonewallDuberman’s classic work of nonfiction on the Stonewall Inn riots and the early years of the gay rights movement is now available as an e-book.  I had heard of the Stonewall riots but never really learned anything about it so I thought I’d give this book a go. I am so glad I did. I had NO IDEA just how tough it had been for gay people in the 20th century. (Hi. I live in a bubble, but I’m trying, okay?) I mean, the stigma and shame and abuse, my God, how did they have the courage to wake up every morning let alone leave the house and live a life?  I am embarrassed that we treated/treat human beings that way.

Not only does the author provide a great overview of gay rights and important moments in American history, but he does it with an interesting narrative that keeps you turning pages. Duberman follows the lives of 6 individuals (two lesbians, one transvestite, and three gay men) from their childhoods up through the riots and a bit beyond, really adding a human element to a historical book.

I will say that reading the men’s chapters was a little lacking. I don’t know why, I just wasn’t as interested in their stories. The ladies’ stories were more interesting, and I really loved the Yvonne chapters because she showed that not only was it tough to be gay, but being gay and black and a woman was even more tough. But I have to be honest, Sylvia, the transvestite, stole the show. I loved her spirit. Talk about a go-getter and an unstoppable force! I loved her chapters the most.

I found the historical parts to be interesting but the Stonewall riots themselves weren’t really the main focus of the book. It looks at the movement as a whole, which is fantastic, but if you were wanting a book JUST about the Stonewall riots and it’s aftermath, this is far more exhaustive than that.

This is a great book, especially if you’re interested in the history of the gay rights movement, and how far it has come in the last 50 -60 years.

 

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