Book description
Gay bars have been closing by the hundreds. The story goes that increasing mainstream acceptance of LGBTQ+ people, plus dating apps like Grindr and Tinder, have rendered these spaces obsolete. Beyond that, rampant gentrification in big cities has pushed gay bars out of the neighborhoods they helped make hip. Who Needs Gay Bars? considers these narratives, accepting that the answer for some might be: maybe nobody. And yet... Jarred by the closing of his favorite local watering hole in Cleveland, Ohio, Greggor Mattson embarks on a journey across the country to paint a much more complex picture of the cultural significance of these spaces, inside "big four" gay cities, but also beyond them. No longer the only places for their patrons to socialize openly, Mattson finds in them instead a continuously evolving symbol; a physical place for feeling and challenging the beating pulse of sexual progress. From the historical archives of Seattle's Garden of Allah, to the outpost bars in Texas, Missouri or Florida that serve as community hubs for queer youth--these are places of celebration, where the next drag superstar from Alaska or Oklahoma may be discovered. They are also fraught grounds for confronting the racial and gender politics within and without the LGBTQ+ community. The question that frames this story is not asking whether these spaces are needed, but for whom, earnestly exploring the diversity of folks and purposes they serve today. Loosely informed by the Damron Guide, the so-called "Green Book" of gay travel, Mattson logged 10,000 miles on the road to all corners of the United States. His destinations are sometimes thriving, sometimes struggling, but all offering intimate views of the wide range of gay experience in America: POC, white, trans, cis; past, present, and future.
Zero Charisma
π§ Finally, an app that understands my need for convenience and ease of use! Audiobooks have never been this accessible. ππ± Automated artwork and metadata retrieval make my audiobook library look organized and polished. The appβs design is sleek and modern. ListenBook is my favorite audiobook player. I love the ability to change the background color. Itβs a nice touch.
Metal Star
I'm hooked on this app's ease of use β it's a reader's dream come true. Looping playback is a game-changer for my study sessions. I can focus on challenging content. ListenBook has revolutionized how I consume content. It's like having a personal library in my pocket.
Buckshot
I can't imagine my audiobook routine without ListenBook's intuitive and user-friendly design. Who knew that commuting could become such an enjoyable reading session?
Alley Frog
With ListenBook, I've found a convenient and enjoyable way to engage with audiobooks and educational content. ListenBook has completely changed my audiobook experience β it's like having a personal audio library. π This app's functionality is a masterpiece β it seamlessly integrates audiobooks into my daily routine. ππ¨ Noise reduction and voice tone changing are brilliant features. The best app for audiobooks. Downloading and organizing files is super easy with ListenBook.
Shady Prairie
π§ Immerse yourself in stories effortlessly β this app's functionality is the gateway to endless audiobook adventures. ππ Adjusting the tone of the voice is an innovative feature that enhances the immersion in the content. The narration elevated an already good book to greatness! The performer's subtle vocal variations conveyed nuance I might have missed while reading. Their ability to maintain consistent character voices across many hours was impressive. Technical quality was flawless throughout.
Spider Fuji
I love how ListenBook caters to various formats, making it versatile and accommodating for all my audiobooks. This app has made my workouts and chores so much more enjoyable. This app has reignited my love for literature and made it a part of my everyday life. The app is so easy to use. I was up and running in minutes.
Lightening Trip
Organization made simple β this app's efficient management of my audiobook collection ensures that every story is just a tap away. Convenience at its finest. ππ± A functional audiobook. It kept me entertained, but I wasnβt blown away. The narratorβs performance was competent, though some emotional scenes fell a bit flat.
Wiccan Trouble
ListenBook's thoughtful inclusion of chapters, controls, and filters has enhanced my audiobook experience. Bookmarks are a lifesaver for audiobook lovers. They help me keep track of important moments.
ShadowDancer
Kudos to ListenBook for the intuitive design and easy-to-use controls. It's evident that they've put a lot of thought into user experience. ListenBook has transformed how I enjoy audiobooks. It's an indispensable part of my routine.
Rope
π± No more lugging around heavy books β this app brings the library to my phone! ππ± π₯ Elevating my reading routine to new heights β this app is a real page-turner! ππ πββοΈπ I'm conquering literary marathons with ease, all thanks to this app's intuitive controls and smooth functionality. π±π ListenBook has revolutionized the way I consume content. It's like having a personal tutor in my ear.
GuTzd
This app has brought storytelling into every corner of my life β it's incredible. The audio filters make a noticeable difference. ListenBook provides an excellent listening experience. One of the best audiobooks Iβve heard! The story was compelling, and the narratorβs delivery added depth to every scene. I found myself looking for excuses to listen just a little longer. Will definitely revisit this one!
Gothic Slacker
I've found my new favorite way to relax β cuddled up with an audiobook. πͺ Flexing my reading muscles with this app's easy-to-use controls β I'm devouring books while managing my busy schedule. πΌπ
BloodEater
ListenBook's sharing options make it easy for me to connect with fellow audiobook enthusiasts. No need for file conversion is a game-changer. Love using ListenBook on my iPhone.
Kitchen
This app has made me appreciate the art of storytelling even more. πββοΈπ Experiencing stories while staying active β this app's functionality enhances my walks and runs like never before. π§ποΈ
Pixie
ListenBook has made my daily routines more vibrant and exciting with its immersive features. Audiobook pleasure simplified β this app's design is a true winner. Looping playback has taken my language learning to new heights. Highly recommended! Looping playback is a game-changer for my study routine. It helps me retain information effectively. The app is so well-designed. Itβs clear the developers put a lot of thought into it.
Doughboy, Esq
I've found my new favorite way to relax β cuddled up with an audiobook. Being able to download audiobooks for offline listening is a game-changer. I'm addicted to this app's seamless integration with my daily routines and activities. Sharing audiobooks through AirDrop is a delightful way to spread the joy of storytelling. A fun feature! A reasonable choice for casual listening. The audiobook was well-produced, but the pacing felt uneven in places. I didnβt dislike it, but I also didnβt feel strongly about it one way or another.
Crash Override
π± An entire library at my fingertips β this app is a book lover's dream come true! ππ ListenBook's compatibility with a wide range of audio formats ensures that no audiobook is off-limits. ListenBook has transformed the way I engage with literature. It's like having a virtual bookshelf in my pocket.
Squatch
ListenBook's support for a variety of audio formats makes it a versatile and essential app for audiobook enthusiasts. ListenBook's audio filters and controls have revolutionized the way I enjoy my audio content. π Grooving to the rhythm of stories while tackling household chores β a dance of productivity! πΆπ Audiobooks have become my constant companions, and this app's seamless functionality and broad compatibility ensure every story is a captivating ride. ππ§ The audio filters make a noticeable difference. ListenBook provides an excellent listening experience.
Hemlock
I'm exploring new genres and authors I wouldn't have considered otherwise. I'm able to enjoy books in a whole new way β while cooking, working out, or even gardening. With ListenBook, every moment is an opportunity to explore new stories and gain knowledge. Seamless audiobook integration β this app's functionality is a true gem.
Delicious Cupid
ListenBook's support for a variety of audio formats ensures that my audiobook collection is always accessible. I love the auto-rewind feature after interruptions. No more searching for where I left off! Not the best audiobook I've heard but far from the worst. The production quality was good and there were no major issues with the narration.
Playing a wide variety of audio formats
Works on all devices with iOS 13 and newer
Huge amount of features for a small price
Frequent updates to add new features and improve existing ones
Advanced playback controls
Live sound processing
Changing the timbre of the reader's voice and noise reduction
Translated into more than 20 languages
If you love listening to fiction audiobooks, ListenBook has features to make the process easier.
Edit book data: title, author, cover
Use equalizer to make the sound comfortable for you
Adjust the playback speed
Enjoy dark and light app themes
Supported formats: MP3, M4B, AWB, FLAC, OGG audio files and many more (must be DRM free)
Auto-Bookmarks make it easy to find your place
AirPlay support allows redirection of audio output.
VoiceOver support
Dark mode for night owls
Convenient bookmarking system helps you mark the most important places.
Unlimited bookmarks for each audiobook
Put your own cover on the wager
Share your audiobook with friends
Lock-screen control
Customise app with extensive options
Sleep timer with shake to reset, set custom notification sounds, and a few unique options
Auto rewind depending on paused time, customize rewind times to your liking
Removing background noise from recordings made in classrooms and meetings
Changing the timbre of the reader's voice for a better listening experience