Outlaw Marriages

The Hidden Histories of Fifteen Extraordinary Same-Sex Couples

By: Rodger Streitmatter

Narrated by: Christopher Hurt

For more than a century before gay marriage became a hot-button political issue, same-sex unions flourished in America. Pairs of men and pairs of women joined together in committed unions, standing by each other "for richer and for poorer, in sickness and in health" for periods of 30 or 40 - sometimes as many as 50 - years. In short, they loved and supported each other every bit as much as any husband and wife. In Outlaw Marriages, cultural historian Rodger Streitmatter reveals how some of these unions didn’t merely improve the quality of life for the two people involved but also enriched the American culture.

Among the high-profile couples whose lives and loves are illuminated in the following pages are Nobel Peace Prize winner Jane Addams and Mary Rozet Smith, literary icon Gertrude Stein and Alice B. Toklas, author James Baldwin and Lucien Happersberger, and artists Jasper Johns and Robert Rauschenberg.

©2012 Rodger Streitmatter (P)2012 Audible, Inc.

Sames Sex Couples Through History

In Outlaw Marriages, cultural historian Rodger Streitmatter reveals that gay marriage is not a 21st century idea— and that in fact, there have always been numerous well-known gay couples who lived an "outlaw" life together, despite conventional mores.

Some of the notables profiled are playwright Tennessee Williams, literary icon Gertrude Stein, and movie legend Greta Garbo.

Not only were some of the last two centuries leading artists gay, but they were in committed relationships. Our Arts history is heavily influenced by these unknowns.

Who had the long-lasting relationships— and who had a tumultuous love life? Whose lover ended up being their muse for their most famous work? This book gives the answers.

interesting and enjoyable.

Not a lot of specifics but enough to get a sense of the people.

Wonderful

I absolutely loved this book. I loved it so much, I purchased the Hard Cover. Loved hearing the stories of the gay and lesbian couples who influenced our culture.

Awesome book.

This was fascinating and I really enjoyed it. I especially enjoyed the triangular relationship chapters.

fantastic journalism

i enjoyed the writing style and the succinct descriptions of the lives of these incredible people. it was inspiring.

Interesting. . . but

What this book actually points out is that, in the world of gaydom, homosexuals are not very much different than heterosexuals. Behind every famous (or even not so famous) individual there was one or several unnamed person or persons who, through fate, led that person to their fame. More often than not, they are never recognized, nor compensated, for their contributions that lead to that fame and fortune.

Loving Marriages

Would you listen to Outlaw Marriages again? Why?

Yes, and I have plans to listen to this audiobook again and again. Interesting people written as such by the writer.

What was the most compelling aspect of this narrative?

All the love.

Which character – as performed by Christopher Hurt – was your favorite?

Many, not just one: Tennessee Williams, Aaron Copeland, James Baldwin, Walt Whitman, Greta Garbo, and so many more.

What’s the most interesting tidbit you’ve picked up from this book?

Anything about Tennessee Williams or Walt Whitman.

Any additional comments?

This narrator was such a good reader he kept me interested while wanting to listen longer and longer.

the basics of amazing stories, decently told

I wanted to know SO MUCH MORE about these couples! Narrator is just okay...not the most thrilling delivery...

very well documented and interesting

If you could sum up Outlaw Marriages in three words, what would they be?

interesting, mind-opening and lovely

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

Not really but it made me realize how a person cannot change the world but he/she can make his/her world a whole new place and that every little action counts.

Interesting, informative and honest

I am certain I will refer back to some the chapters both in memory and in repeated listening. The writing is straightforward and factual giving a good general introduction to each person and in recounting the achievements of each while giving insight into the weakness of each relationship when applicable.
The format allows listeners to easily skip relationship/chapter that are not of personal interest. One of the most memorable chapters for me is the very last and shortest chapter briefly relaying his own “outlaw marriage”.