The Boys in the Band Historical Context

This Study Guide consists of approximately 65 pages of chapter summaries, quotes, character analysis, themes, and more - everything you need to sharpen your knowledge of The Boys in the Band.

The Boys in the Band Historical Context

This Study Guide consists of approximately 65 pages of chapter summaries, quotes, character analysis, themes, and more - everything you need to sharpen your knowledge of The Boys in the Band.
This section contains 1,011 words
(approx. 3 pages at 400 words per page)
Buy The Boys in the Band Study Guide

Secret Meeting Places

At the time that this play was written, homosexuality was primarily an underground activity. Most large cities had homosexual communities, but these tended to stay to themselves, shut off from society at large. Most cities had clandestine gathering spots that were known as meeting places for homosexuals, but their existence was never officially recognized. For instance, certain areas of public parks, public rest rooms, train depots, balconies of movie theaters, and YMCAs were known among homosexuals as places to meet other gay men. Because of laws against homosexual activities and hostility toward homosexuals throughout the general public, the people who frequented these places tended to keep a low profile; still, their existence was fairly well known to the police, who would generally leave them alone, unless they were pressured for more arrests, such as when incumbent politicians were up for reelection.

Among the best-known places...

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This section contains 1,011 words
(approx. 3 pages at 400 words per page)
Buy The Boys in the Band Study Guide
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The Boys in the Band from Gale. ©2005-2006 Thomson Gale, a part of the Thomson Corporation. All rights reserved.