Compares the post-Second World War histories of the American and British gay and lesbian movements.
Introduction: opening remarks;1. Asked and answered: how questions can condition conclusions in social movement theory; 2. Tracing the rainbow: an historical sketch of the American gay and lesbian movement; 3. Tracing the rainbow: an historical sketch of the English gay and lesbian movement; 4. Where and how it comes to pass: interest group interaction with political institutions; 5. Asking the unasked question: grappling with the culture variable; Conclusion: final thoughts.