Yup, it's gay food. But what does that mean? Two new books tell all
Briefly

In 'What Is Queer Food?', John Birdsall explores the intricate relationship between queer identity and culinary culture. He acknowledges the difficulty in defining queer food, asserting it is not a commodity and lacks a singular essence like the concept of queerness itself. Through a combination of historical insights and personal narratives, Birdsall highlights important figures in culinary history, illustrating how their experiences contributed to the diversity of American food culture. The book emphasizes acceptance and the value of storytelling within the queer community in shaping contemporary culinary narratives.
Birdsall claims that queer food is not a commodity, emphasizing that there is no single cuisine representing queerness, just as there's no simple definition of 'queer'.
In his journey of understanding queer food, Birdsall comes to believe that acceptance is a key element, opening doors to exploring complex culinary narratives.
The queering of American food involves recognizing diverse, often unseen influences that have shaped culinary culture, highlighting the lives of pivotal figures in this evolution.
Birdsall's work transcends mere definitions, showcasing that queer food encapsulates a rich, multifaceted identity that is as unique as the individuals who identify with it.
Read at Los Angeles Times
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