This work investigates the historical development and social significance of urban spaces occupied by gay and lesbian populations from the early modern period to the contemporary era. Editor David Higgs compiles interdisciplinary research to argue that specific urban environments—ranging from parks and streets to bars and churches—functioned as critical sites for the formation of queer identity and community. By examining diverse global cities, the contributors provide a framework for understanding how physical geography and social interaction shaped the lived experiences of sexual minorities over four centuries.

Scholars and urban historians frequently cite this text as a foundational resource for understanding the intersection of geography and sexuality. Experts highlight the breadth of the global case studies as a significant contribution to the field of queer urban history.