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Writer's pictureMatt Solomon

Queering the Redneck Riviera

Queering the Redneck Riviera: Sexuality and the Rise of Florida Tourism

Jerry T. Watkins III














"Queering the Redneck Riviera" reflects on the power of the hospitality industry in shaping--and profoundly transforming--the lived experiences of those who live year-round in popular tourist destinations. This book focuses specifically on the Queer communities in northern Florida who were monumental figures in the transformation of the region into a tourist destination. Due to local leaders' desire to project a “family-oriented” self-image, Queer people were forced to adapt to societal expectations and, as a result, hide aspects of their own identity. Historically rich, emotionally captivating, and morally urgent, this book provides a much-needed insight into the negative transformational capabilities of capitalism, tourism, and forced conceptions of societal morality. While the overall theme of the book is the negative impact of the tourism industry on the Queer community in Florida, it also touches on its benefits, such as the increased social wealth that led to broader opportunities for travel and spaces to create community. Access the full book here.


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