This encyclopedia investigates the global development, history, and social impact of queer culture across diverse geographic and political landscapes. David A. Gerstner, a scholar in film and media studies, compiles contributions from an international array of experts to map the evolution of queer identities. The work provides a comprehensive framework for understanding how non-normative sexualities and gender expressions have been documented, performed, and politicized in various societies. It serves as a reference point for analyzing the intersection of queer theory with local cultural practices.

Scholars and researchers frequently cite this volume as a foundational reference for cross-cultural studies in gender and sexuality. Readers note the academic density of the entries, which provide rigorous historical context for complex social phenomena.