Introduces changing perceptions of homosexuality over time, as well as the creation of LGBTQ identities and social movements; explores the meanings of same-sex love prior to the existence of current terminology, and how, when, and why such language developed; and examines the cultural context in which "homosexual" came to represent a person rather than a behavior in 19th century Euro-American culture and the concurrent medicalization of homosexuality and gender nonconformity.

Introduces changing perceptions of homosexuality over time, as well as the creation of LGBTQ identities and social movements; explores the meanings of same-sex love prior to the existence of current terminology, and how, when, and why such language developed; and examines the cultural context in which "homosexual" came to represent a person, rather than a behavior in 19th century Euro-American culture and the concurrent medicalization of homosexuality and gender nonconformity.