Queers in History: The Comprehensive Encyclopedia of Historical Gays, Lesbians and Bisexuals

Keith Stern

Sep 2009 · BenBella Books, Inc.

About this ebook

Queers in History is the first comprehensive biographical compendium of important historical and contemporary figures who were/are gay, lesbian, bisexual or transgender. From Egyptian pharaohs, Catholic popes and Abraham Lincoln to Bishop Gene Robinson, Neil Patrick Harris and Angelina Jolie, Queers in History brings these figures, from their work to their sexuality, to life.

The hundreds of people whose stories appear in this book are some of the most intriguing personalities of their times: actors and actresses, writers and musicians, businessmen and politicians, scientists and soldiers. But this irresistibly readable encyclopedia intended for gays and straights alike doesn’t just report those details that get left out of the standard biographies; it reveals a fascinating picture of queer society and culture throughout recorded history, from the homosexual traditions practiced by samurai in Japan to the modern struggles for equal rights in America. Sir Ian McKellen offers a foreword.

About the author

Keith Stern has produced some of the most popular biographical Web sites on the Internet. Since 1997 he has been collaborating with Sir Ian McKellen on the actor’s autobiographical website. He has also produced official websites for Lynn Redgrave, Sean Astin, Andy Serkis, Spinal Tap, the film Gods and Monsters, and others for movie stars and movies. Stern started in the music business as a musician followed by several years with Warner Bros. Records in field promotion, public relations, A&R, and IT. In 1979 in Charlotte, N.C., he transformed the Milestone into a showcase punk rock/new wave music venue, and in 1981 with Ben Clark, he opened a larger venue, Viceroy Park. As an independent promoter, he produced many early concerts for punk/new wave acts including R.E.M., The Ramones, The Go-Go’s, Iggy Pop, Bow Wow Wow, and Joan Jett. His screenplay “Freezing Time” will be filmed in 2009, starring Andy Serkis (Lord of the Rings, King Kong). Keith currently lives in Beverly Hills, Calif.