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Blink 3 of 8 - The 5 AM Club
by Robin Sharma
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Stonewall summary
Martin Duberman
The Definitive Story of the LGBTQ Rights Uprising that Changed America
29 mins
Brief summary
Stonewall by Martin Duberman tells the story of the LGBTQ+ civil rights movement that started in 1969 at New York City's Stonewall Inn. A powerful and moving account of the events that ignited a fight for equality and acceptance.
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Stonewall
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A sense of identity was forged in childhood.
Craig will never forget the day in 1947 when his mother, a struggling divorcée, drove him to the home for troubled boys outside of Chicago. He was six, and terrified. Despite the initial fear, Craig remembers his years there fondly – not least for the sometimes erotic friendships that developed between the boys. Sex play was common enough that even the nonsexual boys would walk the grounds holding hands. Craig came to see sex between males as natural.
Yvonne was raised in Brooklyn by an outspoken Black woman who wasn’t afraid to stand up for what was right. Yvonne had her mother’s spirit, too: she refused to be baptized at age 12 because she didn’t believe in God. She also felt confident in her sexuality – at age 13 she announced at the dinner table that she was a lesbian. Her parents pretended that they hadn’t heard her.
Karla’s parents were distant. Her primary role model was an aunt who had been a vaudeville singer and who drove a car – highly unusual for Brooklyn women in the 1950s. She also cursed like a sailor, told dirty jokes, and even played touch football with the boys. Karla, too, had no patience for traditional gender roles. She’d rather roughhouse in the street than play with the dolls her mother gave her.
Jim was a beautiful boy; he was even selected as a Gerber baby-food model. As a teen he became involved in politics, including a stint for anticommunist Senator Joseph McCarthy – something he later became deeply ashamed of. Campaigning required Jim to hitchhike across his hometown of Providence, Rhode Island. He quickly learned that in exchange for a blow job, men would happily drive him anywhere.
When Ray was three, his mother drank a glass of milk laced with rat poison in their Spanish Harlem apartment and instructed him to do the same. It tasted so bad that he couldn’t drink it, so she drank his glass instead. She was 22. Ray went to live with his grandmother, whose neighbors noticed his effeminacy and teased him about it. By age ten he was regularly having sex with a married man down the block. He started wearing his grandmother’s makeup in fourth grade, but no one noticed except one of his teachers, who performed sex acts with him in the back seat of his car. In sixth grade, Ray left home for good and headed straight for 42nd Street, where he’d heard that people like him hung out.
Foster, older than the others, was from a family rich in money but not in love. Foster internalized his parents’ constant hectoring and was mired in self-doubt. He was also academically gifted, which led him to Columbia University. By the age of 20, he knew he was gay. But he was so mixed up about sex that he was celibate nearly his whole life. This might account for his eventual zealous commitment to organizing the nascent gay movement.
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What is Stonewall about?
Stonewall (1994) is the definitive history of the 1969 uprising that catalyzed the gay rights movement in the United States. By examining the lives of six gay and lesbian people involved in the movement, author Martin Duberman sheds light on the systems of oppression – as well as the incredible dedication and bravery – that led to mainstream society’s greater acceptance of the gay and lesbian community.
Stonewall Review
Stonewall (1993) by Martin Duberman is a compelling exploration of the Stonewall Riots of 1969 and the birth of the modern LGBTQ+ rights movement. Here's why this book is worth reading:
- It provides a detailed and nuanced account of the events leading up to and following the Stonewall Riots, shedding light on a crucial moment in history.
- Through interviews and personal narratives, the book brings to life the experiences of individuals who fought for LGBTQ+ rights, making it a powerful and moving read.
- With its meticulous research and comprehensive analysis, the book offers a deeper understanding of the societal and cultural context surrounding the LGBTQ+ rights movement.
Who should read Stonewall?
- Activists
- Those inspired by grassroots movements
- Anyone interested in how communal action can lead to change
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Stonewall FAQs
What is the main message of Stonewall?
The main message of Stonewall is the pivotal role of the Stonewall riots in the LGBTQ+ rights movement.
How long does it take to read Stonewall?
The reading time for Stonewall varies depending on the reader's speed, but it typically takes several hours. The Blinkist summary can be read in under 15 minutes.
Is Stonewall a good book? Is it worth reading?
Stonewall is a compelling read that sheds light on a significant historical event. It offers valuable insights into the LGBTQ+ community's fight for equal rights.
Who is the author of Stonewall?
Martin Duberman is the author of Stonewall.
What to read after Stonewall?
If you're wondering what to read next after Stonewall, here are some recommendations we suggest:
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- Sapiens by Yuval Noah Harari
- 2030 by Mauro F. Guillén
- Boy Erased by Garrard Conley
- Make Your Bed by William H. McRaven
- The Selfish Gene by Richard Dawkins