How did the gay movement, which began as a sedate group of intellectuals, become what is arguably the most dynamic civil rights crusade in America? How did a deviant and marginalized fraction of society evolve into powerful, effective, and respected leaders? The short answer: Morris Kight. A self-aggrandizing, egotistical among powerful egos, Kight’s style of organizing and activism showed the power of the gay community and gay dollars.
“Morris Kight: Humanist, Liberationist, Fantabulist – A Story of Gay Rights and Gay Wrongs is to L.A. what Randy Shilts’s The Mayor of Castro Street was to San Francisco.”
Jesse Monteagudo, Gay Today, July 8, 2020
“…Cherry paints a fascinating picture of Morris’ efforts to put his sex-positive, leftist principles into action… She also doesn’t flinch from looking into the darker, sadder corners of Kight’s life.”
Ashley Naftule, Echo Magazine May, 22, 2020
“Just in time for LGBTQ Pride Month, check out Mary Ann Cherry’s bio of gay-rights trailblazer Morris Kight, whose work led to the American Psychiatric Association removing homsexuality [sic] as a disease, anti-violence progress for LGBTQ people and other advances.”
Boy Culture, June 11, 2020
“There is so much information here which is beautifully written, that the book is a pleasure as well as an important addition to the LGBTQ canon. I cannot recommend it highly enough.”
Reviews by Amos Lassen, August 3, 2020
“Morris deserves this book and the LGBTQ community owes Mary Ann a debt of gratitude for adding such an important, serious contribution to LGBTQ history.”
Karen Ocamb, The Blade, August 20, 2020
“… when more books are written, Cherry’s will certainly remain an invaluable resource. It’s a must-read.”
Jason Serinus, Bay Area Reporter, August 18, 2020
“If we have a Phyllis Schlafly TV series, we can have a Morris Kight biopic or TV series.”
J.G. Michael, Parallax Views, November 2, 2020 (link to full podcast)
A book event, hosted by USC Libraries with special guests, on zoom, September 20, 2020.