The bars are ours Histories and cultures of gay bars in America, 1960 and after

Review by Choice Review

Hilderbrand (Univ. of California, Irvine) makes an important contribution to LGBTQIA+ history in this engagingly written book, which focuses on young, urban, white males. In the introduction he argues that "gay bars have operated as the most visible institution of LGBTQIA+ public life for the better part of a century" (p. 1). Over time they have been shaped by the sexual revolution, AIDS, and the COVID-19 pandemic. Hilderbrand's vibrant tour of diverse bars should appeal to a large audience. Scholars will be impressed by his research in local queer archives, supplemented by oral histories. The limitations of the sources available to him explain why he only briefly discusses lesbian, Black, Latinx, and Asian bars. Hilderbrand warns that his volume is not intended as a comprehensive encyclopedia, but future researchers will be grateful for an appendix listing many gay bars and clubs (both active and closed), another on LGBTQIA+ periodicals, and a splendid bibliography. Hilderbrand's expertise lies in film and media studies, which helps explain the richness of his illustrations, about 100 in total, including 15 color plates. Summing Up: Recommended. General readers through faculty. --David M. Fahey, emeritus, Miami University (Ohio)

Copyright American Library Association, used with permission.

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Review by Booklist Review

The relationship between the LGBTQ community and what are commonly called "gay bars" has long been a complicated one, fraught with both great affection for what they give to people, and harsh criticism for what they don't. In his historical opus, Hilderbrand makes a comprehensive study of the history of gay bars in America from 1960 to the present day. Hilderbrand's take on the subject doesn't shirk from looking at the bad as well as the good. In the early days, gay bars were a seedy affair, usually operated by non-gay organized crime. Later, even as more gay people assumed ownership of the bars, many of those owners were of questionable character. But as the community evolved, so did the bars, becoming more crucial contributors to the building of a diverse, supportive, and positive community. Hilderbrand's study is perhaps more detailed and wide-ranging than a casual reader is prepared for. But readers can cherry-pick sections discussing the era or the city of greatest interest to them; this will doubtless provide the most satisfying reading experience for the general public.

From Booklist, Copyright (c) American Library Association. Used with permission.

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Review by Library Journal Review

Hilderbrand (film and media studies, Univ. of California, Irvine; "Paris Is Burning": A Queer Film Classic) explores the history and enduring impacts of gay and lesbian bars across the United States in this compelling book. This work takes a comprehensive look at queer nightlife from 1960 onward, with each chapter serving as a case study that highlights a different locale and aspect of gay and lesbian bars. Hildebrand considers the impact of these establishments on queer communities and culture at large as he journeys to small towns and larger cities to cover themes such as gentrification, activism, art, and gender. Archival posters, photographs, and artworks complement each chapter. Hildebrand's writing is transportive, which bolsters his impressive research. The book will appeal to nonfiction general readers and scholars interested in queer and pop culture and nightlife history. Readers looking to delve further into an exploration of this subject may also enjoy Greggor Mattson's Who Needs Gay Bars?: Bar-Hopping Through America's Endangered LGBTQ+ Places. VERDICT A powerful celebration and examination of LGBTQIA+ nightlife. This book will serve as a significant record of evolving cultural touchstones and queer communities across the country.--Kate Bellody

(c) Copyright Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.

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