An LGBT History Reference – Queers in History by Keith Stern

Throughout history, lesbians and gays have made amazing contributions to society. Further, many who were highly suspected to be gay or who were openly bisexual – queer too, as we presently define the word – have made contributions with lasting impact on life as we know it. Often, these accomplishments either go unrecognized given the sexual orientation of the person achieving them or their stated or presumed sexuality is ignored as not having played a role in their achievement their greatest feats.

Recently, the State of California passed a law requiring gay history to be part of the social studies curriculum in schools. The law was created in response to widespread bullying of LGBT youth throughout the state with the idea being that better education on LGBT history and issues will lead to more tolerance and understanding and less violence, harassment, and teenage suicide because of bullying. This is in incredible step forward in school curriculum but it does not address the world outside of California.

Author Keith Stern produced the definitive guide to historical figures in the LGBT community when his book, Queers in History: The Comprehensive Encyclopedia of Historical Gays, Lesbians, Bisexuals & Transgenders, was published in 2009. It contains short biographies of more than 800 prominent and not so prominent figures who contributed significantly to our present culture and quality of life. It’s a gay who’s who that runs the gamut from the 1800s to the present with profiles of individuals in the arts, business, the military, politics, religion, science, sports, teaching and more.

Stern’s book is well researched. It should be noted that it is not without controversy. First, and foremost, in some cases there is only strong speculation based on historical cues that a person whose profile was included was lesbian, gay or bisexual. If there was convincing evidence of at least bisexuality or some clues pointing toward a long term same sex relationship, Stern has included the individual. A case in point is his inclusion of Abraham Lincoln.  Secondly, his work focuses almost exclusively on western contributors – primarily Americans and Europeans. Finally, though he includes transgendered in the title, there are very few profiled in the book.

This is a great guide to get you started researching our collective LGBT past through the accomplishments of many of our most prominent queer community members. Where you go from there is totally up to you!