Secret City: The Hidden History of Gay Washington

Secret City: A Riveting Chronicle of American History – Now Available on OnlineEbookFair

Few books captivate readers with historical depth and intrigue quite like Secret City by James Kirchick. Comparable to Robert Caro’s Years of Lyndon Johnson, this book is not just about LGBTQ+ history—it is American history itself.

Washington, D.C., has long been a city of secrets, but none more gripping than those exposed in Secret City. For decades, even a whisper of homosexuality could ruin reputations, end careers, and destroy lives. At the height of the Cold War, fear of homosexuality merged with anti-communist hysteria, leading to a ruthless purge of LGBTQ+ individuals from government positions. This “unspeakable secret” held immense political power, shaping the very foundation of modern America.

Drawing from thousands of declassified documents, interviews with over a hundred individuals, and extensive archival research, Kirchick crafts a masterful narrative spanning multiple presidential administrations. The book begins with Sumner Welles, Franklin D. Roosevelt’s trusted diplomat, whose downfall became one of the biggest scandals in U.S. history. It then follows how the paranoia surrounding homosexuality influenced events like the rise of McCarthyism, the CIA-FBI rivalry, and even Ronald Reagan’s presidential campaign.

Through compelling revelations, Secret City uncovers:

• A World War II-era spymaster who used seduction as a tool for espionage.
• The heartbreaking story of a devoted aide whom Lyndon Johnson abandoned upon discovering his sexuality.
• The shocking allegations of a “homosexual ring” influencing Reagan’s rise to power.

With its vast scope and deeply personal accounts, Secret City is a transformative work that reshapes our understanding of U.S. history. Experience this powerful narrative today—available now on OnlineEbookFair.