Includes bibliographical references (p. 175-183) and index.

List of illustrations -- Preface -- 1. Introduction to the core dilemma -- 2. The assimilationist and liberationist strategies in historical context -- The birth of the homophile movement and the foundations for contemporary politics -- The Stonewall rebellion and beyond -- The 1970s and the challenge of the Christian right -- Conclusion -- 3. The conflict over HIV/AIDS policy -- Aids in historical context -- Conclusion -- 4. "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" : policy perspectives on the military ban -- Military integration in historical context -- The "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" debate and policy -- The response of the lesbian and gay movements to Clinton's compromise -- How the Clinton administration might have avoided compromise -- Flaws in the lesbian and gay movements' political strategies -- Implementation of the "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" policy -- The case for the military ban -- The case against the military ban -- Conclusion -- 5. Jilted at the altar : the debate over same-sex marriage -- Same-sex marriage in historical context -- The implications of the marriage debate for the lesbian and gay movements -- The case for same-sex marriage -- The case against same-sex marriage -- Conclusion -- 6. The movements' futures -- The assimilationist and liberationist strategies revisited -- Coalition politics -- Barriers to building coalitions -- Conclusion -- Appendix 1. AIDS timeline -- Appendix 2. The "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" law -- Appendix 3. Lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and Christian right organizations -- Discussion questions -- Glossary -- Notes -- References -- Index.