Freedom to Differ: The Shaping of the Gay and Lesbian Struggle for Civil Rights

Rating:
Summary: Short enough for an introductory course....
Review: but I would not use it as the sole text for an upper division course on GLBT theory (Vaid, Turner and D'Emillo) would be better choices.

Miller summarizes the struggle for GLBT equality, the historical successes and failures of the later 20th century, but there was not enough material for my personal tastes. I respect the work she has produced, but cannot see why a book of this size was produced when there was no lack of research materials for her to work with.

The book comes across better as a series of case studies rather than a historical or politcal retrospective, and needs to be reclassified as such. Perhaps I will be accused of nitpicking, but with the right mounting another round of attacks on GLBT rights, we need to understand what resources we have available for our use.

As mentioned ealier, this book is worded in a way that would appeal to freshman or new GLBT studies students. It is important that people of all sexualities understand the struggles for LGBT rights and its continued relevance.