Examining a significant and largely unexplored aspect of Jimmy Carter’s presidency (1977-1981), Harris Dousemetzis radically revises the current understanding of this critical period in American political history.

By using a wealth of previously unpublished archival material, along with personal interviews with 43 prominent gay rights activists of the time and 12 senior Carter White House aides, this book documents what actually happened during Carter’s presidency regarding the development and recognition of gay rights and the efforts of the evangelical right to prevent social reform. Investigating the full range of government actions taken and policies implemented, Carter’s personal commitment and support for the movement, as well as the role of activists in bringing about change, this is a significant and original contribution to knowledge about Carter’s presidency, the gay rights movement, and American political development. Dousemetzis situates Carter’s presidency in its rightful place, as a crucial stage in one of the most dynamic areas of change in recent American politics and political culture.

Features a Foreword by Stuart Eizenstat and an Afterword by Lilian Faderman.