The origins and significance of the emergence of U.S. "gay liberation"

The general significance of "gay liberation" to an understanding of sex roles in U. S. society is discussed in the introduction to this essay, which then proceeds to a lengthy survey of early advocates of the acceptance of homoeroticism, and the relatively recent creation of various organizations that speak for "the homophile community." The conclusion focuses on an analysis of the major contemporary groups, along with their programs and tactics.