In the late 19th and early 20th century, gay subculture thrived in many large American cities. In my new book, “Come Out, Come Out, Whoever You Are,” I explore the history of this term, from the earliest days of the gay rights movement, to today, when it has been adopted by other movements. You may even have heard the expression used in relation to other kinds of identity, such as being undocumented.īut do you know where the term comes from? Or that its meaning has changed over time? You probably know what it means to “come out” as gay.
She wrote this article for The Conversation.
Abigal Saguy is a professor of sociology in the UCLA College.
