Sexuality and Citizenship in 20th Century America: Politics, Society, and the Law

The relationship between sexuality and citizenship in the United States has been a complex and contested one throughout the 20th century. Legal and political debates over sexual morality have shaped the experiences of LGBTQ+ people, and these individuals have in turn challenged prevailing norms and fought for their rights.

The Straight State: Sexuality and Citizenship in Twentieth-Century America (Politics and Society in Modern America Book 64)

by Margot Canaday

4.3 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	1963 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	297 pages
Paperback	:	210 pages
Item Weight	:	10.7 ounces
Dimensions	:	6 x 0.5 x 9.25 inches

FREE

The Early 20th Century: Criminalization and Social Stigma

In the early 20th century, homosexuality was criminalized in most states, and LGBTQ+ people faced widespread social stigma and discrimination. They were often fired from their jobs, denied housing, and even arrested and imprisoned. The American Psychiatric Association classified homosexuality as a mental illness, and many doctors and other professionals believed that LGBTQ+ people were inherently dangerous and deviant.

The Mid-20th Century: Rise of the Gay Rights Movement

In the mid-20th century, a number of factors led to the rise of the gay rights movement. The Kinsey Reports, published in 1948 and 1953, challenged the prevailing view that homosexuality was a rare and pathological condition. The Stonewall Riots of 1969 marked a turning point in the movement, as LGBTQ+ people fought back against police harassment and discrimination. And the AIDS crisis of the 1980s brought increased attention to the discrimination faced by LGBTQ+ people, particularly gay men.

The Late 20th Century: Legal and Social Progress

In the late 20th century, LGBTQ+ people made significant progress in terms of legal and social rights. In 1973, the American Psychiatric Association removed homosexuality from its list of mental illnesses. In 1986, the Supreme Court ruled in Bowers v. Hardwick that states could criminalize sodomy, but in 2003, the Court overturned this decision in Lawrence v. Texas. And in 2015, the Supreme Court ruled in Obergefell v. Hodges that same-sex couples have the right to marry.

Despite these legal victories, LGBTQ+ people continue to face discrimination in many areas of life, including employment, housing, and healthcare. And the Trump administration has rolled back some of the progress that was made during the Obama administration.

The Future of LGBTQ+ Rights

The future of LGBTQ+ rights in the United States is uncertain. The Trump administration's policies have created a climate of fear and uncertainty for many LGBTQ+ people, and it is unclear whether the Supreme Court will continue to uphold LGBTQ+ rights in the years to come. However, the LGBTQ+ community has a long history of fighting for its rights, and it is likely that this fight will continue in the years to come.

The relationship between sexuality and citizenship in 20th century America has been a complex and contested one. LGBTQ+ people have faced discrimination and violence, but they have also made significant progress in terms of legal and social rights. The future of LGBTQ+ rights in the United States is uncertain, but the community has a long history of fighting for its rights, and it is likely that this fight will continue in the years to come.

The Straight State: Sexuality and Citizenship in Twentieth-Century America (Politics and Society in Modern America Book 64)

by Margot Canaday

4.3 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	1963 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	297 pages
Paperback	:	210 pages
Item Weight	:	10.7 ounces
Dimensions	:	6 x 0.5 x 9.25 inches

FREE