The Deviant's War

The secret history of the gay rights movement, a generation before Stonewall.

In The Deviant's War, young historian Eric Cervini uncovers the forgotten story of Frank Kameny, an astronomer-turned-activist who fought against the systematic persecution of gay federal employees in the 1960s. Based on firsthand accounts, declassified FBI records, and thousands of personal documents, Cervini traces the ties that bound the gay rights movement to Black freedom, the New Left, lesbian activism, and trans resistance.

Set against the backdrop of a cultural and sexual crossroads in America and Washington, D.C., The Deviant's War chronicles the shocking public battles with Congress, FBI informants, betrayal, and murder that ultimately led to a triumphant victory. This instant New York Times bestseller was a finalist for the 2021 Pulitzer Prize in History and won the 2021 Randy Shilts Award for Gay Nonfiction.