The Little Lavender Book: On the Love That Once Dared Not Speak Its Name

Laura Ponti-Sgargi is a Toronto-based freelance writer.

This small book of quotations presents some of the most poignant
statements made about homosexuality throughout recorded history, and
successfully captures the diversity of thought pertaining to what it
means to be gay or lesbian.

What makes this book an excellent resource is the broad spectrum from
which the quotations are taken—prominent literary figures, feminists,
philosophers, psychologists, anthropologists, politicians, actors, and
gay activists, among others. The book, however, is more than just a
compendium of quotations. It points to and educates about the past and
present attempts of those who have struggled to explain or define
homosexuality, being gay or lesbian, or not. A mixture of humor,
sarcasm, wit, and sometimes hostility comprises the myriad of views. The
homophobic attitudes serve to emphasize the reasons why “the love that
dared not speak its name” has been, and continues to be, silenced. An
enlightening little reference book that should not be overlooked.