In the twentieth century, countless Americans claimed gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender identities, forming a movement to secure social as well as political equality. This collection of essays considers the history as well as the historiography of the queer identities and struggles that developed in the United States in the midst of widespread upheaval and change. Whether the subject is an individual life story, a community study, or an aspect of public policy, these essays illuminate the ways in which individuals in various locales understood the nature of their desires and the possibilities of resisting dominant views of normality and deviance. Theoretically informed, but accessible, the essays shed light too on the difficulties of writing history when documentary evidence is sparse or \u0022coded.\u0022 Taken together these essays suggest that while some individuals and social networks might never emerge from the shadows, the persistent exploration of the past for their traces is an integral part of the on-going struggle for queer rights.

'This vital study reconstructs Eleanor Roosevelt's role as a major power broker from 1945 until her death in 1962....[ Roosevelt's ] principled stand for low-cost and public housing, affirmative action, regulation of corporations, U.S. support for the United Nations--key planks in the liberal agenda under siege today--makes this a timely reassessment.'--Publishers Weekly

A wartime manifesto on the moral obligations of democratic citizens from the most influential first lady in American history. With the threat of the Third Reich looming, Eleanor Roosevelt employs the history of human rights to establish the idea that at the core of democracy is a spiritual responsibility to other citizens. Roosevelt then calls on all Americans, especially the youth, to prioritize the well-being of others and have faith that their fellow citizens will protect them in return. She defines this trust between people as a trait of true democracy. Roosevelt advances an optimistic model for the democracy of the future, and although we've taken some steps in the direction of her vision, it's still a long way from reality. The issues first addressed in this 1940 essay-namely financial inequality and racial discrimination-are sadly still relevant today, as bigotry continues to undermine our national unity. Her first publication as first lady, The Moral Basis of Democracy is an honest and heartfelt call for all Americans to choose love and faith over hatred and fear. Roosevelt takes an inspiring stance in defense of democracy, progress, and morality; the wisdom imparted here is timeless, and a must-read for every American. This edition features a foreword by Rev. Carol Howard Merritt, an introduction by Roosevelt historian Allida Black, PhD, and an illustrated biography of Eleanor Roosevelt including images from the author's estate.

In the twentieth century, countless Americans claimed gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender identities, forming a movement to secure social as well as political equality. This collection of essays considers the history as well as the historiography of the queer identities and struggles that developed in the United States in the midst of widespread upheaval and change.Whether the subject is an individual life story, a community study, or an aspect of public policy, these essays illuminate the ways in which individuals in various locales understood the nature of their desires and the possibilities of resisting dominant views of normality and deviance. Theoretically informed, but accessible, the essays shed light too on the difficulties of writing history when documentary evidence is sparse or \u0022coded.\u0022 Taken together these essays suggest that while some individuals and social networks might never emerge from the shadows, the persistent exploration of the past for their traces is an integral part of the on-going struggle for queer rights.

Unlike other women of her stature, Eleanor Roosevelt did not let her political career come to an end when her husband died in 1945. In this fascinating and provocative new book, Black examines Eleanor Roosevelt's profound influence on the Democratic party and civil rights organizations during the 17 years of the life she led after her husband's death. Photos.

Human rights. Global relations. The role of women. U.S. politics. Eleanor Roosevelt was a trailblazer in many areas. Her writings are essential to the understanding of American politics and diplomacy and the international struggle to implement democracy in the twentieth century. Chronicling ER's development as diplomat, journalist, and political strategist in the years 1945 to 1948, The Eleanor Roosevelt Papers: The Human Rights Years, Volume 1 is filled with original writings and speeches that have been thoughtfully annotated and made easily accessible through a comprehensive index. This unique collection was developed by The Eleanor Roosevelt Papers Project as the first of a five-volume set covering the years 1945 through 1962. Foreword by Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton.