Out Spoken – VITO

OUT SPOKEN: 2013 Lambda Literary Award Nominee, LGBT Nonfiction
Edited by Jeffrey Schwarz
with Bo Young and Mark Thompson

COMPANION VOLUME TO THE HBO DOCUMENTARY VITO

Activist. Archivist. Cineaste. Cultural provocateur. Lover. Fighter.

Vito Russo was all these things – and much more. Above all else, he was a brilliant writer: the author of the ground-breaking 1981 study of homosexuality in the movies, THE CELLULOID CLOSET, as well as hundreds of incisive reviews, commentaries and classic interviews. Now assembled in a special two-volume edition for the very first time by White Crane Books, OUT SPOKEN: A VITO RUSSO READER is a companion piece to VITO, the new highly-acclaimed HBO documentary by filmmaker Jeffrey Schwarz.

Starting at the rough-and-tumble beginnings of the gay and lesbian movement in New York City in the late-1960s, OUT SPOKEN travels through the excitement and discovery, turmoil and tragedy that engrossed the next two decades – until Vito’s death from AIDS in 1990. These books, like the film, bear witness to the makings of a remarkable man.

“Vito Russo was an incisive film historian, a fiery activist, and a sweet, gentle guy. All his textures are beautifully captured in these collected works, which reinforce his standing as a literate provocateur who helped create the modern gay movement.”
– Michael Musto

“What an amazing collection! A riveting ride through some of the most fascinating, exciting and harrowing times in gay history. Vito Russo’s sharp eye, deep love of gay people, and unbridled passion for writing about gay culture light up every page…. He is an icon for generations to come.”
– Michelangelo Signorile

“Vito was one of the dearest and most adorable friends I ever had. He was also a ferocious truth seeker. I am grateful to have this collection of his writings. Reading Vito’s interview with me was a loving and eye-opening visit with my own consciousness – almost four decades later.”
– Lily Tomlin

White Crane Books is a program of White Crane Institute, a 501(c)(3) education corporation dedicated to education, exploration and dissemination of knowledge around Gay Men’s Wisdom & Culture. For more information on the activities and programs of White Crane Institute,visit www.gaywisdom.org or email info@whitecranebooks.org. For Retail Orders, Ingram carries White Crane Books.