The First Homosexuals: The Birth of a New Identity 1869-1939

A groundbreaking, global survey of queer art, featuring more than 300 artworks made following the introduction of the term ‘homosexual’ in 1869.

An unprecedented and historic new book, 'The First Homosexuals' traces the evolution of the homosexual identity through an archive of more than 300 paintings, drawings, sculptures, prints, photographs, and film stills from around the world – many presented in a queer, global, and colonial context for the first time. Accompanying the works are twenty-two original, insightful essays by leading experts in art and queer history, each focusing on one geographical region. Ranging from well-known masterpieces to works by unknown artists and pieces rarely considered in the context of sexuality, 'The First Homosexuals' offers a stunning and illuminating look at the first self-consciously queer art. The book accompanies a groundbreaking exhibition of the same name presented at Wrightwood 659 in Chicago.