Categorically Famous

This insightful book explores the relationship between literary fame and queer identity, focusing on Baldwin, Sontag, and Vidal's impact on the gay liberation movement.

The first comprehensive examination of the interplay between literary fame and queer identity, Categorically Famous delves into the lives and careers of three iconic writers: James Baldwin, Susan Sontag, and Gore Vidal. Set against the backdrop of the 1960s gay and lesbian liberation movement, the book explores how these authors, while not openly identifying as gay in the contemporary sense, nonetheless played pivotal roles in fostering a climate of acceptance towards homosexuality. Their public personas and literary contributions significantly influenced societal perceptions, shifting the narrative from viewing homosexuals as psychologically troubled to recognizing them as an oppressed minority seeking liberation.

In Categorically Famous, Guy Davidson challenges traditional academic perspectives, urging readers to reconsider the binary opposition often drawn between liberation and the visibility of queer identities. By examining the media landscape of the time, Davidson highlights how the reluctance to openly discuss the sexuality of public figures limited the narrative surrounding their personal lives. This analysis reveals how Baldwin, Sontag, and Vidal, as “semi-visible” gay celebrities, occupied a unique space that bridged the gap between the era of secrecy and today’s post-liberation expectations for individuals to openly identify as queer.

Through this lens, Categorically Famous not only sheds light on the historical significance of these writers but also invites a broader dialogue about the evolving definitions of celebrity and the complexities of queer representation in literature and media. It serves as a vital resource for understanding the legacy of these literary figures within the context of LGBTQ+ history and the ongoing struggles for visibility and acceptance.