Review: When Brooklyn Was Queer: A History

When Brooklyn Was Queer: A History by Hugh Ryan
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

When Brooklyn Was Queer is a fascinating read in which the author delves deep into the history of same-sex relationships and gender identity. Whilst this is in itself is not a unique undertaking, author Hugh Ryan goes a step further, tying threads of the past to a central location—Brooklyn, New York. From its identity as a waterfront harbor, filled with sailors and businessmen, through its transformation into a city full of queer spaces, Ryan shares stories of the individuals who contributed to the emergence of “queer Brooklyn”. He also explores how that rise was experienced by white males, females and people of color—distinctions between which are followed throughout. He finally presents in glaring detail the sobering events that worked like falling dominos to destroy the fragile space.

Prior to this read, I considered myself fairly well versed on the gay movement. I knew about the Stonewall Riots and have friends who were there in the thick of things, making chaos as they also made a profound statement of solidarity and strength. I had never considered what being gay meant before those riots, however, aside from assuming that life was closeted and shrouded in secrecy. It was so much more complex than I had ever imagined.

The book opens with what I felt were the most moving and poignant pages—a brief glimpse into the shared lives of Gypsy Rose Lee and Carson McCullers. It’s a beautiful prologue that sets the stage for the rich and varied history that follows—and Ryan dives right in, explaining his use of the term “queer”:

“...in my research I use the catchall queer...to refer to people whose sexuality or gender identity isn’t conventional for their time, which helps me avoid projecting specific modern identities (such as gay or transgender) on folks for whom those ideas wouldn’t necessarily have made a lot of sense.”

From there, the book proceeds to lay down the first blocks in the foundation of queer life in Brooklyn—the publication in that city of Walt Whitman’s Leaves of Grass. The author simultaneously explicates Whitman’s verse and uses it as a lens through which to delve into Whitman’s sexuality. Whitman’s time as a resident of Brooklyn is the first marker of queer life in that city.

The Victorian-era discussion that begins with Whitman is explored through fact-based conjecture that addresses the societal constructs of relationships during that period. Ryan shares letters, diaries and publications to support the assertion that many of the intimate friendships may have been same-sex attractions, either considered or embraced, that would today be referred to as “gay”—and his research is as deep as it is broad. More hard evidence in the form of newspaper articles and editorials, personal accounts and publications underpin the rest of the book, as queer Brooklyn is birthed, then “erased”, from 1884-1969. Throughout, there is frank discussion of both gender identity and sexuality, public acceptance and prejudice

There’s so much to be learned, and Ryan teaches by sharing with readers facts and short narratives that bring to life the drag kings and queens, the activists and those simply living their truths as queer men and women. From Brooklyn Heights to Coney Island, the streets are filled with stories that are sometimes funny, at other times full of heartbreak. Unrequited love, bawdy behavior, beautifully intimate relationships and the cruelty of human nature is all on display here, eliciting from the reader both laughter and tears.

This is a must read for anyone living the queer life or simply interested in the issues of the LGBTQ community. As queer Brooklyn is rising like a phoenix from the ashes, a clear understanding of its history allows for an appreciation of the joys, as well as the sacrifices, experienced there—small, sometimes seemingly insignificant events that shaped and forever changed what it means to be queer.

Thanks to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for providing me with an ARC in exchange for my review. This book is slated for publication in March, 2019.

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