Queers in State Socialism: Cruising 1970s Poland

In 1970s Poland, a collection of essays explores queer lives and activism, highlighting the struggle for rights and the uneven landscape of queer life under state-socialist rule. Contributors use oral history interviews, archival sources, and literature to illustrate the sense of belonging to a fledgling community and the preservation of informal queer institutions. Medical experts developed socialist methods to prompt the state to recognize transgender rights, while literary critics, translators, and art historians debated how to read gestures defying gender and sexual norms. The book emphasizes the differences of Polands LGBT history from the global West while underscoring the existing lines of communication between queer subjects on either side of the Iron Curtain.

Format: Hardback
Length: 132 pages
Publication date: 23 October 2020
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

This captivating collection of essays delves into the vibrant tapestry of queer lives and activism during the transformative 1970s in Poland. Through a rich blend of oral history interviews, archival sources, and diverse perspectives, the contributors offer a nuanced portrayal of a society grappling with the complexities of queerness. While Poland, unlike many European countries, did not criminalize same-sex acts, queer individuals often faced suspicion, discrimination, and marginalization. Nonetheless, a sense of community began to take shape, with some individuals finding solace and belonging amidst a fledgling LGBTQ+ movement.

As they looked to the West, yearning for a sexual revolution that eluded them, queer individuals in Poland preserved informal queer institutions dating back to the prewar years. These institutions served as pillars of support, providing a haven for those who felt invisible and alone. Medical experts, in their conversations with peers across the Iron Curtain, developed their own socialist methods to advocate for transgender rights. Despite facing resistance from the state, they successfully prompted the recognition of transgender individuals' rights, albeit with the state's persistent efforts to surveil and intimidate homosexual men.

Literary critics, translators, and art historians engaged in lively debates about the interpretation of gestures that defied gender and sexual norms. Some saw these gestures as part of a broader global gay formation, while others argued that they stemmed from locally grounded queer traditions. These discussions continue to shape our understanding of the complexities of gender and sexuality in Poland and beyond.

By highlighting the distinctiveness of Poland's LGBTQ+ history while emphasizing the interconnectedness of queer subjects on both sides of the Iron Curtain, this book serves as a valuable resource for scholars and students. It sheds light on the ongoing struggles for rights and equality, offering a fresh perspective on a period of profound social change. Through its rich narratives and interdisciplinary approach, this collection contributes to our understanding of the global LGBTQ+ movement and its impact on individual lives and communities.

Weight: 304g
Dimension: 144 x 221 x 16 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780367563349