Survivors and Thrivers

Male Homosexual Lives in Postwar Australia

David Gould

In interviewing 27 men aged between 74 and 95 in the late 2000s, David Gould discovered lives - now rapidly being lost to history - that were lived under the shadow of homophobic prejudice. Their stories reveal how men tried to make sense of their same-sex attraction in an era when homosexuality was defined as a mental illness and criminal. What emerges is a revelation - stories of resilience and, sometimes, joy.

What people say about the book

"Anyone interested in queer and Australian history will find this a compelling and illuminating read. More than that, the book has precious lessons for queer people in other countries, their allies and families."

"As against those histories that emphasise only the doom, gloom and oppression faced by homosexuals who grew up in Australia in the years BC (Before Camp), we see here that, despite the very real difficulties, many men did manage to live, love and lead fulfilling lives. This book is a testament to them."