Washington, D.C., has long been a city shrouded in secrets, with the revelations in James Kirchick's work shedding light on the dramatic interplay between homosexuality and American politics. For decades, the mere suggestion of being gay could destroy reputations and end careers. During the Cold War, the fear of homosexuality became linked with the threat of international communism, resulting in a purge of gay individuals from the federal government. In this charged political atmosphere, the "secret too loathsome to mention" wielded significant power. Kirchick utilizes thousands of declassified documents, interviews with over a hundred individuals, and materials from presidential libraries to chronicle this hidden history. Starting with the tragic tale of Sumner Welles, a key figure in a major national scandal, the narrative explores how perceptions of homosexuality influenced presidential administrations and shaped pivotal events, from the establishment of America's first civilian intelligence agency to the rise of McCarthyism and the civil rights struggle. Celebrating those who transformed their private shame into public pride, Kirchick offers a new perspective on American history, revealing the experiences of those who lived in the shadows. This sweeping yet intimate account promises to reshape our understanding of the nation's past.
