In his introduction, editor Gerstner states that he does not mean this book to be definitive but aims to provide a broad look at queer cultural production across the world since 1945. The term
queer is used as opposed to what Gerstner says are Western, white, middle-class terms such as
gay or
lesbian.Queer allows a broader look at sexual and gender differences across the world without imposing Western values.
More than 1,000 entries focus on people and other topics in broad categories such as dance, film, health, literature, music, and politics. A smattering of entries cover queer slang terms. Entries encompass many nations and cultures; contributors come from Bolivia, China, Israel, South Africa, Turkey, and Israel, to name but a few locations. Special attention is paid to views other than Western European and North American.
Three appendixes list research archives, queer organizations, and sex laws by country. The last appendix has some inaccuracies, for example, listing countries that either don't exist (Darussalam) or have changed names (Zaire). Fortunately, a Web site cited in the text provides more up-to-date information.
For researchers or browsers, the work offers a wide range of interesting reading. All of the articles are cross-referenced, and flipping through the book is also aided by the thorough index, the thematic list of entries, and the alphabetic list of entries provided at the beginning of the text. Garland's Gay Histories and Cultures: An Encyclopedia and Lesbian History and Cultures: An Encyclopedia (both 2000) are broader in coverage of all time periods, but they do not cover all the international topics addressed in the Routledge volume. This title will be worth the investment for public and academic libraries that seek broad coverage in queer issues. Steve Stratton
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'...a worthy addition to queer studies collections in large public and all academic libraries' - Library Journal
"This title will be worth the investment for public and academic libraries that seek broad coverage in queer issues" - Library Journal
"Thematically arranged categories allow for productive browsing across subjects approached from an international perspective" - Booklist
"This unique, well-executed volume will appeal to general readers interested in popular culture and scholars in academic disciplines like sociology and queer studies....Highly recommended" - Choice
