Passions Uncovered: Gay, Lesbian and Transgender Pulps

Passions Uncovered: Gay, Lesbian and Transgender Pulps is intended as an introduction to the University Library’s extensive collection (over 200 titles) of queer paperbacks (usually called pulps after the cheap newsprint used in their production) dating from the 1950s and early 1960s. Following World War II, inexpensive paperback novels began flooding North American newsstands, bus depots and drugstore racks. Remarkably many dealt with lesbian and male homosexuality. The writers—male, female, straight, gay—often used pseudonyms, and their huge readerships spanned all sexual orientations.

With provocative titles, sexually explicit covers, lurid descriptions, and frequently tragic endings, these pulp paperbacks were after the emergence of gay liberation in the 1970s often simply dismissed as stereotypic, negative, and exploitative. However, they were the largest body of overtly gay writings of their time, and despite their faults they provided invaluable information and encouragement to thousands of isolated homosexuals outside major urban centers.

Queer pulps are now avidly collected by those interested in gay and lesbian history and by those attracted by their retro designs and camp appeal. The U of S Library collection was established only a few years ago but has grown rapidly through many generous gifts to become the largest and most diverse collection at a Canadian University. Readers interested in more information about queer pulps and their covers may view the new site at:

http://library2.usask.ca/srsd/pulps/

Main Website: http://library2.usask.ca/srsd/