Charis Books and The Invisible Histories Project are partnering up to host a virtual book tour for The Deviant’s War: The Homosexual vs. the United States of America. Written by Dr. Eric Cervini, an award-winning historian of LGBTQ politics and culture, The Deviant’s War follows the secret history of the fight for gay rights that precedes the well-known Stonewall riots.
In 1957, a government astronomer named Frank Kameny received a summons to report immediately to Washington, D.C. The Pentagon had reason to believe he was a homosexual. And for the first time, a homosexual fought back.
Based on firsthand accounts, recently declassified FBI records, and forty thousand personal documents, The Deviant’s War unfolds over the course of the 1960s, as Kameny built a movement against the government’s gay purges. It traces the forgotten ties that bound gay rights to the Black Freedom Movement, the New Left, lesbian activism, and trans resistance. Above all, it is a story of America (and Washington) at a cultural and sexual crossroads; of shocking, byzantine public battles with Congress; of FBI informants; murder; betrayal; sex; love; and ultimately victory.
The virtual book tour, which will include a conversation between Cervini and a special guest, will take place on June 6 at 4:30 pm. You can reserve your spot here.
If you are interested in getting your copy signed by Cervini, you can order The Deviant’s War from Charis Books here and submit your receipt here, and you will receive a limited edition custom bookplate, signed by Cervini, to place in your book.