David K. Johnson (1)

n The Lavender Scare, David K. Johnson tells the frightening story of how, during the Cold War, homosexuals were considered as dangerous a threat to national security as Communists. Charges that the Roosevelt and Truman administrations were havens for homosexuals proved a potent political weapon, sparking a “Lavender Scare” more vehement and long-lasting than Joseph McCarthy’s Red Scare. Drawing on declassified documents, years of research in the records of the National Archives and show more the FBI, and interviews with former civil servants, Johnson recreates the vibrant gay subculture that flourished in midcentury Washington and takes us inside the security interrogation rooms where anti-homosexual purges ruined the lives and careers of thousands of Americans. This enlarged edition of Johnson’s classic work of history—the winner of numerous awards and the basis for an acclaimed documentary broadcast on PBS—features a new epilogue, bringing the still-relevant story into the twenty-first century. - from the publisher show less

The author sets out to prove that in 1950's America, the government crusade against the Third Sex was both more consequential and more popular with the common man than Senator Jos. McCarthy's parallel crusade against Communists. He has done his homework and I would say his point is proven very well. Factual errors are the only aspect of the book which make me queasy; at one point he puts Mata Hari in WWII Japan. To call that a schoolboy error would probably be unfair to the schoolboys. As an show more academic book this reads rather slowly, but its information value is significant, and it can be recommended to readers with an interest in the area. show less

Buying Gay: How Physique Entrepreneurs Sparked A Movement
by David K. Johnson
2019
Columbia University Press
5.0 / 5.0

Gay entrepreneurs responded to and cultivated a gay market long before the Stonewall Riots in 1969. This amazing history chronicles the struggles with both the bodybuilding magazines, and the US Postal Service, who for years repressed and suppressed homosexuals, and it documents the important struggle between the US Federal Government and gays and lesbians into the 1950s, show more 1960s and 1970s, until Arnold Schwarzenegger.
It was only through these publications and gay book services that gay men had a way to connect to each other, or become friends. The magazines were sent discreetly and lists of subscribers were shared, and they found the lists keep growing. There was a need and market for these publications.

The history and struggles are excellent and thoroughly documented. The struggles with the US Postal Service, and the early formations of gay publications and book clubs were my favorite parts. I am grateful for these courageous men and women who fought for our rights, against incredible odds, so gay people could read and share their life stories and fiction books. And to be able to connect to one another, for support and friendship.
Special thanks to Columbia University and David K. Johnson for sharing this ARC for review.
#BuyingGay
#NetGalley show less

This book showed how vicious the politics and policies of the U.S. government can be. And it was not that long ago. The only comfort is that the policy excluding homosexuals from federal employment ended. What scares me is how fragile our liberties are.