Faggots (novel)

Faggots (novel) is a novel written by Larry Kramer, an American author and gay rights activist. The novel was first published in 1978 by Random House. It is a satirical portrayal of 1970s New York's gay community. The novel is notable for its controversial title, which is a pejorative term for gay men.

Plot[edit | edit source]

The novel follows the life of Fred Lemish, a gay man living in New York City. Lemish is in search of love and a meaningful relationship amidst the hedonistic lifestyle of the city's gay community. The novel is a critique of the promiscuity and drug use prevalent in the gay community of the time.

Reception[edit | edit source]

Upon its release, Faggots received mixed reviews. Some critics praised Kramer's boldness and his critique of the gay community, while others criticized the novel for its negative portrayal of gay men. Despite the controversy, the novel has since been recognized as a significant work in gay literature.

Legacy[edit | edit source]

Faggots has been credited with influencing the gay rights movement in the United States. Kramer's critique of the gay community's lifestyle choices is seen as a precursor to his later activism, particularly his work with the AIDS Coalition to Unleash Power (ACT UP).