Encyclopedia of Gay and Lesbian Popular Culture

by Luca Prono

Overview

During the 20th century through today, gay and lesbian artists, writers, political activists, and sports figures contributed their talents to all areas of popular culture. Authors such as E. Lynn Harris and Patricia Highsmith write bestselling novels. Rupert Everett follows in the footsteps of Rock Hudson and others who starred in multimillion dollar films. George Michael and k.d.lang have been the creative forces behind dozens of hit songs, and the TV programs of Ellen DeGeneres, Rosie O'Donnell, and the cast of Queer Eye for the Straight Guy are enjoyed in gay and straight households alike. The Encyclopedia of Gay and Lesbian Popular Culture identifies the people, films, TV shows, literature, and sports figures that have made significant contributions to both gay and lesbian popular culture, and American popular culture.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780313335990
Publisher:	Bloomsbury Academic
Publication date:	12/30/2007
Pages:	328
Product dimensions:	7.00(w) x 10.00(h) x 0.75(d)

About the Author

Luca Prono is an independent scholar who teaches English in Italy. He has contributed chapters and entries to many Greenwood reference books.

Editorial Reviews

Whereas most reference works on gay and lesbian figures concentrate on their contributions to politics and literature, independent scholar Prono's work instead examines gay and lesbian contributions to popular culture. His approximately 100 scholarly yet readable cross-referenced A-to-Z entries, each typically ranging from two to four pages in length, cover mostly biography (e.g., Rock Hudson, Tennessee Williams, Melissa Ethridge), though some thematic subjects (e.g., AIDS, the Harlem Renaissance, independent cinema) are also included. . . . Having in one place all these entries emphasizing the subject's relevance to the gay and lesbian community could benefit the student wanting to browse possible research topics. This is also enjoyable to read from cover to cover. . . . Recommended for all school and college libraries.” —Library Jourbanal

“Prono's slim, but thoughtful, collection of essays focuses on well-known American and British individuals whos works, words, and deeds have helped redefine and shape contemporary views of gays and lesbians. . . . The writing is engaging and interesting; it is readable and accessible to wide audience. . . . a recommended purchase for public or college libraries.” —Reference & User Services Quarterly

“These 97 well-researched, alphabetically arranged entries include profiles of prominent individuals who have concealed or denied their sexual orientation as well as those who have forced open the closet and are fighting for equal rights.” —School Library Jourbanal

“[A] useful and easy-to-use resource for public and high-school libraries.” —Booklist

“With one of its announced purposes being to chronicle the battle of gays and lesbians to achieve visibility against forces that might closet them or render them invisible, this encyclopedia has a political agenda as well as an informative one. It is recommended for all general collections.” —ARBA

From the Publisher

Whereas most reference works on gay and lesbian figures concentrate on their contributions to politics and literature, independent scholar Prono's work instead examines gay and lesbian contributions to popular culture. His approximately 100 scholarly yet readable cross-referenced A-to-Z entries, each typically ranging from two to four pages in length, cover mostly biography (e.g., Rock Hudson, Tennessee Williams, Melissa Etheridge), though some thematic subjects (e.g., AIDS, the Harlem Renaissance, independent cinema) are also included. Biographical entries include date of birth and, if appropriate, death; a paragraph noting the subject's achievements; a longer biographical essay; and a section with references for further reading. Subject entries include an essay and section with references for further reading. The first time a subject is cross-referenced within an entry, it appears in boldface text to draw the reader's attention. Much of the material Prono covers can be found in other reference resources, but these resources might not necessarily emphasize the gay/lesbian aspect of their subject matter (e.g., a biographical entry for Judy Garland might not mention her large gay following).
—Mark Alan Williams

Library Journal

Gr 9 Up

These 97 well-researched, alphabetically arranged entries include profiles of prominent individuals who have concealed or denied their sexual orientation as well as those who have forced open the closet and are fighting for equal rights. More than a quarter of the entries are devoted to the film industry: directors, actors, or movies. There are only 14 entries on lesbian popular culture. Absent are Rita Mae Brown, Jane Chambers, and other women known for their contributions to popular fiction, theater, and television (the groundbreaking TV show The L Word receives only a brief, unindexed mention). Given the omissions, the inclusion of such a significant number of heterosexuals, such as Judy Garland and Barbra Streisand, who are icons in the gay community, is somewhat puzzling. For LGBT encyclopedias with more depth and breadth (albeit more adult material), better choices would be Bonnie Zimmerman and George Haggerty's Encyclopedia of Lesbian and Gay Histories and Cultures (Garland, 1999) or David A. Gerstner's Routledge International Encyclopedia of Queer Culture (Routledge, 2006).-Betty S. Evans, Missouri State University, Springfield

School Library Journal