The Hidden History Of Gay D.C.

Published June 16, 2022 at 4:58 PM MDT

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Queer people have worked at all levels of our nation’s politics and government. But in the mid 20th century, when being queer was vilified — and often associated with Communism, Nazism, and plotting against America — coming out was tantamount to social obliteration and career annihilation. So people hid.

Influential American newspaper columnist Joseph Alsop was one of them. In 1957, Alsop was ensnared by the KGB and threatened to be outed if he didn’t collude. Rather than turn traitor to his country, he took a risk and outed himself. Alsop’s bravery is detailed in James Kirchick’s history of gays and lesbians in Washington, D.C.

James Kirchick’s new book, "Secret City: The Hidden History of Gay Washington", is available at [Amazon|Bookshop|Indiebound] or at your local library. @jkirchick

Airdate: Friday, June 17, 2022 at 12 p.m. and Sat, June 11, 2022 at 11 a.m.