A queer capital : a history of gay life in Washington, D.C. / Genny Beemyn.

Includes bibliographical references (p. 247-260) and index.

The geography of same-sex desire: cruising men in Washington in the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries -- "Sentiments expressed here would be misconstrued by others": the same-sex sexual lives of Washington's black elite in the early twentieth century -- Race, class, gender, and the social landscape of the capital's gay communities during and after World War II -- The policing of same-sex desire in postwar Washington -- LGBT movements in the capital in the mid to late twentieth century: three historic moments -- Epilogue: "in Tyra's memory" -- Appendix: list of narrators.

"Based on archival work, personal interviews, and literary history, [the book] is a history of LGBT Washington D.C. during the long decades from the turn of the 20th century through the Eisenhower era. The book is a lively history of black and white gay communities and individuals, attesting to the vibrant cultural and intellectual life of a city sometimes believed to be neither. Of particular importance is the discussion of how racial identities and gay identities were interrelated during the period. ... [A] book for readers interested in gay life, in Washington D.C. history, and in African American life and culture in the first half of the twentieth century."--Provided by publisher.

"The first history of LGBT life in Washington, D.C., across the 20th century. Covering black and white individuals and communities, and considering the effects of race, gender, and class, this book explores how lesbians, gay men, and bisexuals built communities, survived anti-gay campaigns, and organized to demand equal rights"--Provided by publisher.