Gay Old Girls
Published by Alyson Books
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Winner, Foreword Book of the Year Award for Best LGBT Nonfiction
Finalist, Lambda Literary Award for Best Lesbian Nonfiction
Nominee, American Library Association Book of the Year
What would it have been like to have been a lesbian in 1920s Alabama? 1940s New York? 1950s Texas? Gershick traveled the country to find out, and the result is laid out in Gay Old Girls. A lively and fascinating oral history of life before the birth of the modern LGBT political movement, Gay Old Girls introduces us to nine remarkable women who provide a rare glimpse into the past.
"These fascinating life stories read like novellas. The women, who could be our mothers or grandmothers, introduce us to worlds that would soon have been lost to us. Beautifully edited by Gershick, whose eloquent style is equaled by empathy and respect for these women." –Noel Riley Fitch, author, Appetite for Life: The Biography of Julia Child
"Like sitting at the foot of some rather cool lesbian grandmothers, listening to them reminisce about 'their day.' " –Girlfriends Magazine
"It is particularly important to note that this important and groundbreaking work was chosen for this award by a panel of booksellers and librarians who recognized it not only as an outstanding book, but also as a vital addition to the field of gay and lesbian studies, and a must-have for any gay and lesbian bookselling section." – Victoria Sutherland, publisher of ForeWord
"Brilliantly edited, the result is nine engrossing portraits. In each case, rather than imposing direction, Gershick's questions follow from the interviewees' trains of thought; individual personality and history are exquisitely and gracefully revealed. What is striking is the profound humanity and dignity of these 'Gay Old Girls.' They bear witness to the mind-changing force of sexual love between women." –Lesbian Review of Books
Finalist, Lambda Literary Award for Best Lesbian Nonfiction
Nominee, American Library Association Book of the Year
What would it have been like to have been a lesbian in 1920s Alabama? 1940s New York? 1950s Texas? Gershick traveled the country to find out, and the result is laid out in Gay Old Girls. A lively and fascinating oral history of life before the birth of the modern LGBT political movement, Gay Old Girls introduces us to nine remarkable women who provide a rare glimpse into the past.
"These fascinating life stories read like novellas. The women, who could be our mothers or grandmothers, introduce us to worlds that would soon have been lost to us. Beautifully edited by Gershick, whose eloquent style is equaled by empathy and respect for these women." –Noel Riley Fitch, author, Appetite for Life: The Biography of Julia Child
"Like sitting at the foot of some rather cool lesbian grandmothers, listening to them reminisce about 'their day.' " –Girlfriends Magazine
"It is particularly important to note that this important and groundbreaking work was chosen for this award by a panel of booksellers and librarians who recognized it not only as an outstanding book, but also as a vital addition to the field of gay and lesbian studies, and a must-have for any gay and lesbian bookselling section." – Victoria Sutherland, publisher of ForeWord
"Brilliantly edited, the result is nine engrossing portraits. In each case, rather than imposing direction, Gershick's questions follow from the interviewees' trains of thought; individual personality and history are exquisitely and gracefully revealed. What is striking is the profound humanity and dignity of these 'Gay Old Girls.' They bear witness to the mind-changing force of sexual love between women." –Lesbian Review of Books
November 1, 1998
