Presents a history of the early efforts to investigate, demystify, and legitimize the homosexual community, efforts that would later produce the gay rights movement. Includes a timeline, color photographs, a glossary, and further resources.

The days of passionate friendship -- The love that dare not speak its name -- Storm clouds gather before the rainbow -- From special friends to brothers in arms -- A thin line between love and crime -- Coming together while standing apart -- The road to Stonewall.