Description
Book SynopsisIn this oral history, gay Asian Americans talk frankly about their struggle for self-determination and independence. These pioneers in the Los Angeles movement discuss the gay scene in Southern California and the development of a distinctly Asian-American identity.
Trade ReviewIt is a fascinating story that ranges across many peoples and subjects. A fascinating work for all students of gay politics. * Gay Times *
The oral histories [Wat] presents are essential reading for any Asian-American studies or LGBT class. * Committee On Lesbian and Gay History Newsletter *
Making of a Gay Asian Community is a significant and trailblazing work. It demonstrates effectively how both external and internal contradictions can fuel the formation of group identity; even as A/PLG was disbanding due to irreconcilable differences, GAPSN was emerging from that very conflict. The book is a valuable resource, both for its accessible collection of primary sources and for its appendix and methodology, which may prove useful for students embarking on oral histories. Perhaps most importantly, in recounting their personal journeys with insecurity, racism and homophobia, the narrators of Wat's oral histories are inspiring. As I finished reading this book, I yearned to hear more voices, view more photographs, and learn more of the fears and hopes of a scholar who has opened pathways to a community long neglected. -- Amy Sueyoshi, San Francisco State University * Journal History of Sexuality, Volume 12, No. 3 July 2005 *
An important book that fills a long-standing gap in gay community history—the documentation of the emergence of Asian American gay communities. . . . Lucid, cogent and well-organized. . . . A triumph. * Journal of Asian American Studies *
Table of ContentsChapter 1 Introduction Chapter 2 Before the Beginning Chapter 3 Caution and Abandonment on the L.A. Nightscape Chapter 4 A Fascism of Desire Chapter 5 The Call from Morris Kight Chapter 6 Old Scars on a New Body Chapter 7 The Next Generation Chapter 8 Afterword Chapter 9 Appendix I: On Methods and Methodology Chapter 10 Appendix II: Interviews Chapter 11 Bibliography Chapter 12 Index
