A Queer History of the United States, Revised and Expanded by Michael Bronski Published by Beacon Press, 2026

Drawing upon primary documents, literature, and cultural histories, Michael Bronski charts the breadth of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender history, from 1492 to the present, presenting a testament of how the LGBTQ+ experience has profoundly shaped American culture and history.  Both comprehensive and accessible, this book restores the visibility of people often relegated to the margins of history and provides the evidence and proof that LGBTQ+ history is American History.

The original edition, published in 2011 won many prestigious literary awards including the American Library Association’s Stonewall Book Award for Non-fiction (2012).  It was also nominated for Publishing Triangle’s Randy Shiltz Award for Gay Nonfiction (2012).  This newly revised and expanded 15th anniversary edition includes more information and documentation on queer people of color, intersex people, and trans people than the original 2011 edition.  It also analyzes modern developments like #MeToo, Black Lives Matter, GSAs, and concludes with an examination of contemporary conservative backlashes against LGBTQ+ and social justice policies.

Also noteworthy is another edition published by Beacon Press in 2019, a young adult adaptation titled A Queer History of the United States for Young People.  This book, adapted by Richie Chevat alongside author Michael Bronski, is geared for grades 7 and up (ages 12-17).  Instead of focusing solely on large-scale political milestones, this young adult edition highlights historical figures and marginalized voices in American history.  Examples include:

• • Indigenous Communities: Explores traditional gender-diverse roles and tribal perceptions of multiplicity
    in identity.
  • Albert D. J. Cashier: A Civil War hero and Irish immigrant who lived as a man for more than fifty years.
  • Gladys Bentley: A prominent African American blues singer who openly challenged cross-dressing laws in 1920s Harlem.
  • Sylvia Rivera & Marsha P. Johnson:  The foundational trans activists who co-founded Street Tranvestite Action Revolutionaries (STAR) in 1970.
  • Modern Youth Activism: Features cases like Jamie Nabozny (who fought anti-LGBTQ+ bullying in court in the 1990s) and Aidan DeStafano (who fought for trans-inclusive school bathroom access).

Michael Bronski (he/him). Is an American academic and writer, best known for his 2011 book A Queer History of the United States.  He has been involved with LGBTQ politics since 1969 as an activist and organizer.  He has won numerous awards for LGBTQ+ activism and scholarship, including the prestigious Publishing Triangle’s Bill Whitehead Award for Lifetime Achievement.  He is currently Professor of Practice in Media and Activism in the Studies of Women, Gender and Sexuality at Harvard University.  Learn more about Michael Bronski at:  https://wgs.fas.harvard.edu/people/michael-bronski

This book review was submitted by Stand with Trans advocate Barb Shumer,
past board member and retired public librarian.