Historian Neil J. Young delves into the history of gay Republicans and their relationship with conservative politics in his upcoming book, discussed on the ‘Know Your Enemy’ podcast.
Historian Neil J. Young Discusses His Book “Coming Out Republican” on Podcast
In a recent episode of “Know Your Enemy,” a podcast focused on the American right, hosts Matthew Sitman and Sam Adler-Bell interviewed historian Neil J. Young about his new book, Coming Out Republican: A History of the Gay Right.
Young’s book, set for release in 2024, examines the history of gay Republicans, beginning in the post-World War II era when neither major political party was particularly welcoming to gay individuals. This climate led many within the gay community to embrace a libertarian approach, advocating for minimal governmental interference in their private lives—an ideology that would persist in the gay right for years.
The discussion touched on various periods and events, including the influence of gay, often closeted, figures in the postwar conservative movement, the hopeful period between the Stonewall riots and the emergence of the AIDS crisis, and Ronald Reagan’s alignment with the religious right. The conversation also covered the increasing partisan divide on LGBTQ rights, and the distinctive aspects of the Trump administration’s stance on these issues.
The episode is particularly notable for its exploration of the complex relationship between gay rights and conservative politics, offering listeners a nuanced perspective on an often overlooked segment of the political spectrum.
