Our intellectual understanding of what sexuality is and how it is expressed has changed constantly throughout the course of history. The definition of homosexuality as well as the general attitude towards it shifted rapidly throughout the first half of the twentieth century. Prominent events such as the First and Second World War were instrumental in altering both the definition and attitude of the era. In examining the postwar years, there is a plethora of content regarding the gay resistance movements, development of sexuality theories and even the growing importance of the gay bar scene and the policing that went against it. Though in evaluating the exact impact that these changes had on society, it is best to utilize and critically analyze primary resources such as written diaries and memories of individuals during that time period. …show more content…
The diary is able to detail Donald’s first hand trials and tribulations in navigating the various social circles he resides in as well as display his own emotional love and lust for other men. Another prominent New York City resident, namely James Baldwin, also catalogued his thoughts and feelings about sexuality in his short nonfiction essay “Here Be Dragons.” Baldwin tackles a variety of topics from understanding the American view of sexuality as well as handling the often complex social interactions that came about from not only being gay but also being black. Comparing these two works is able to bring forth a rich examination into how the postwar years were for homosexuality specifically in New York City. This can in effect be measured by viewing the various groups the two men socialized in, the love they felt along with the hate that they