Language Before Stonewall

Focusing on the linguistic and social practices surrounding same-sex desires in the years leading up to the Stonewall Inn raid in 1969, this book reveals a diverse array of language influenced by factors such as gender, race, class, and geography. It challenges the notion of a standardized code, highlighting the widespread circulation of these expressions in both public and private spheres. This work is particularly suited for students and academics interested in the intersections of language, sexuality, and queer historical linguistics.