Joan W. Scott Knihy

When feminists argued for political rights in the context of liberal democracy, they insisted that the differences between men and women were irrelevant for citizenship. Yet by acting on behalf of women, they introduced the very idea of difference they sought to eliminate. Scott reads feminist history in terms of this paradox.

This anthology brings together forty-two influential essays, many regarded as classics, providing a vital overview of contemporary lesbian and gay studies. It showcases the breadth and depth of current scholarship, featuring contributions from esteemed scholars such as Judith Butler, John D'Emilio, and Eve Kosofsky Sedgwick. The essays delve into diverse sexual, ethnic, racial, and socio-economic experiences, reflecting a wide range of disciplines including history, literature, cultural studies, and sociology. The collection addresses significant themes such as gender roles, feminist theory, AIDS, and the politics of representation, while also exploring figures and topics like Oscar Wilde, Gertrude Stein, and the hijras of India. It highlights the cultural construction of gender and sexuality, examining the impact of societal norms on individual identities and experiences. Additionally, the anthology includes an extensive bibliographical essay, serving as a valuable resource for further exploration in the field. The contributions reflect the most important English-language work in lesbian and gay studies, making it an essential read for anyone interested in understanding the complexities of sexual identity and cultural expression.

Integrating the discoveries of the new feminist scholarship with the main themes of Western civilization, this text examines women's influence on, and daily connections with, the religious, political, economic, scientific, social, and cultural changes that have transformed our world during the last half-millennium.