A review by graveyardpansy
When Brooklyn Was Queer: A History by Hugh Ryan

5.0

4.5 — this book has a really strong thesis and direction, and is organized in a beautiful way that’s easy to follow. one of my favourite book niches is queer history examinations of a specific place, and this checks all my boxes. not only were gay historical figures examined, but working-class queer life, gender variance, and communities of POC. this is really clearly a passion project of Ryan’s built out of a love for brooklyn, history and queerness, and i could feel that before i even read the epilogue. if there was one thing i could critique, id enjoy more analysis of the past in addition to the retellings of it — although i know part of Ryan’s argument is that brooklyn’s queer history has been largely hidden, i love discussions of parallels between history and the present and would’ve appreciated more of them. regardless, really well done, thoughtfully researched, and painstakingly thorough book. would more than recommend, esp for ppl like me who love niche queer history, folks who live in brooklyn, and/or those who want to learn about stuff that’s been brushed over for a long time.