Carl Morse (1935–2008)

This is a beautifully diverse selection of poetry by gays and lesbians. Published in 1988, this book stands out for its inclusion of works by both men and women. A short biography precedes each poet's work, illuminating relationships amongst many of the poets. Also of note is the fact that many of the biographies mention the poet's children. I'm always pleased by visibility for queer parents.

My only complaints are the total invisibility of bisexuality and transsexuality (even though I show more suspect such designations may have been accurate for several of the poets included), but this is pretty standard for gay and lesbian publications even today, never mind in the eighties.

My favorites of the poets anthologized include: Carl Morse, Peter Orlovsky, Adrienne Rich, Charles Ortleb, Harold Norse, Larry Mitchell, June Jordan, Essex Hemphill, Dorothy Allison, and Susan Griffin. show less