A review by archcon
The Deviant's War: The Homosexual vs. the United States of America by Eric Cervini

informative inspiring reflective medium-paced

5.0

For those interested in the fight for LGBTQ+ rights, this is a must read to understanding the pre-cursor of the modern gay rights movement in the United States. Cervini deftly explores the struggles and achievements of Frank Kameny, considered the founder of the homophile movement, and how that movement changed course, sometimes at Kameny's direction, but just as often without him. The evolution from trying to secure equal rights by fitting in to securing equal rights based upon radical self acceptance mirrors the Black Freedom Movement and cannot fully be understood without this book.

Very accessibly written. There's a lot of information, but the writing style is clear, concise, and wonderfully smooth. Looking forward to more from Cervini! (He's on TikTok if anyone wants to hear more LGBTQ+ history!)

To those interested in the anti-gay maneuverings in 1950s Washington DC, absolutely follow this up with The Lavender Scare by David Johnson. It will provide a lot of context for some of the opening scene, Lafayette Park, and Kameny's first experiences in the city.
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