Author Talk: The First Homosexuals

Join us for a public presentation of , the groundbreaking, global survey of queer art including more than 300 artworks made following the introduction of the term ‘homosexual’ in 1869. 

Featuring an introduction to the groundbreaking exhibition of the same name presented at Wrightwood 659 in Chicago by author Jonathan D. Katz, this author talks event will be followed by a public Q&A and book signing, with the publication available for purchase.

About the book

An unprecedented and historic new book, The First Homosexuals traces the evolution of the homosexual identity through an archive of more than 300 paintings, drawings, sculptures, prints, photographs, and film stills from around the world – many presented in a queer, global, and colonial context for the first time. Accompanying the works are twenty-two original, insightful essays by leading experts in art and queer history, each focusing on one geographical region – from Japan to Australia to the Indigenous populations of South America. Ranging from well-known masterpieces to works by unknown artists and pieces rarely considered in the context of sexuality, The First Homosexuals offers a stunning and illuminating look at the first self-consciously queer art. 

About the author

Jonathan David Katz is Associate Professor of Practice in the History of Art and Gender, Sexuality and Women’s Studies at the University of Pennsylvania, curator of ‘The First Homosexuals’ at Wrightwood 659 Gallery in Chicago, author of About Face: Stonewall, Revolt, and New Queer Art (2024) and co-editor of Amos Badertscher Images and Stories (2025), both published by Monacelli.

Located at 26 Wooster Street, the Leslie-Lohman Museum of Art strives to provide a welcoming environment to all visitors. Five external steps lead to our entrance doors: a wheelchair lift is available. All galleries are wheelchair-accessible, and a single-occupancy accessible restroom is located behind the visitor services desk: all restrooms are gender-neutral. Large print didactics are available. 

For questions or access requests, please email [email protected] with 1 week advance of your visit.

Event Venue & Nearby Stays

Leslie-Lohman Museum of Art, 26 Wooster Street, New York, United States

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