Gay Shame: Publication Party and Book Signing 3p-5p, Lane Hall Gallery Sponsored by: Institute for Research on Women and Gender

This event features the Editors of the book Gay Shame: David Halperin, of the English Women's Studies and Comparative Literature Departments and Valerie Traub, of the English and Women's Studies Departments.

Ever since the 1969 Stonewall Riots, gay pride has been the rallying cry of the gay rights movement and the political force behind the emergence of the field of lesbian and gay studies. But has something been lost, forgotten, or buried beneath the drive to transform homosexuality from a perversion to a proud social identity? Have the political requirements of gay pride repressed discussion of the more uncomfortable or undignified aspects of homosexuality?

Stemming from the international Gay Shame Conference in 2003, Gay Shame seeks to lift this unofficial ban on the investigation of homosexuality and shame by presenting critical work from the most vibrant frontier in contemporary queer studies. Contributors tackle a range of issues questions of emotion, disreputable sexual histories, dissident gender identities, and embarrassing figures and moments in gay history as they explore the possibility of reclaiming shame as a new, even productive, way to examine lesbian and gay culture. Common Language will be on hand selling books and both editors will be available to sign them. This event is free and open to the public. Contact: irwg@umich.edu