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.
Easy Mac
This app has made my road trips and flights infinitely more enjoyable. This app's library is a treasure trove – I'm always discovering new favorites. I can't believe how much more I'm 'reading' now, thanks to this app. The app's versatility in audio downloading is impressive. It's a one-stop solution for all my content.
Frosty Squid
ListenBook's commitment to providing a high-quality audiobook experience is truly commendable. The statistics tracking feature is very useful. ListenBook helps me keep track of my listening time.
Bambi Benz
ListenBook has turned my everyday moments into extraordinary journeys of imagination. ListenBook has seamlessly integrated into my daily life, enhancing my workouts, commutes, and relaxation periods. It's an indispensable part of my routine. This app is a must-have for anyone who loves audiobooks. The interface is intuitive, and the app supports all formats. I love the auto-bookmark feature—it saves my place automatically, so I never lose track. Highly recommend! I've listened to hundreds of audiobooks, and this one stands out for its professional quality. The narrator struck the ideal balance between dramatic interpretation and letting the text speak for itself. The audio engineering was superb with consistent volume levels and crystal-clear recording.
Classy Dancer
The app's stability and reliability make it my go-to choice for audiobooks. ListenBook's integration of artwork and metadata adds a visually appealing touch to my library. ListenBook's integration with AirDrop and sharing options makes it simple to spread the joy of storytelling. Elegant design and user-friendly interface. Love it!
The China Wall
ListenBook's seamless integration with CarPlay has made my drives more informative. With this app, audiobook listening has become a convenient and enjoyable part of my everyday life. This app has brought the magic of books back into my life. ListenBook's dedication to providing an exceptional listening experience shines through in every aspect of the app. Download options are plenty – I can get my audiobooks from various sources hassle-free.
Zesty Dragon
ListenBook has redefined my audiobook journey, making it more enjoyable and convenient than ever before. 📱 A world of books at my fingertips – this app's user-friendly design makes it a true reading companion. 📚📱 I'm amazed by the attention to detail, from automatic metadata extraction to customizable settings. I love the compatibility with iOS 16. The app runs smoothly and flawlessly.
Electric Player
I've been recommending this app to all my friends – it's a true game-changer. This app's convenience and ease of use have transformed my screen time into productive learning sessions. 🔥 Audiobook enjoyment at the tap of a finger – this app's functionality is a testament to modern convenience. 📱📖 I love the chapter navigation feature. ListenBook makes it easy to find specific sections. The app is very user-friendly. ListenBook makes listening to audiobooks a breeze.
Devine Melon
I love how this app seamlessly integrates into my busy schedule, making multitasking a breeze. ListenBook's compatibility with various audio formats is impressive. From MP3 to FLAC, it handles them all flawlessly. Playback speed and volume controls are fantastic. A reasonable choice for casual listening. The audiobook was well-produced, but the pacing felt uneven in places. I didn’t dislike it, but I also didn’t feel strongly about it one way or another.
D-Hog-Day
ListenBook Pro's tone adjustment feature is a fascinating way to add a personal touch to my audiobook journey. Apple Watch compatibility enhances my audiobook experience. It's a convenient way to control playback. Looping playback helps me immerse myself in the content. It's my secret study weapon. ListenBook Pro's unlimited audiobook length is a game-changer. The interface is so clean and clutter-free. It’s a pleasure to use.
PP Dubs
This app has brought storytelling into every corner of my life – it's incredible. ListenBook has transformed my daily rituals into cherished opportunities for personal growth. ListenBook’s interface is sleek and user-friendly. Finding and playing my audiobooks has never been easier.
Kitchen
The app's customization options allow me to tailor the listening experience to my liking. Smooth playback and great sound quality. ListenBook is my new favorite app! Easy access to chapters and silky-smooth playback. Love it!
Digital Moonshine
Audiobooks have made my commutes so much more enjoyable, and I'm always excited to listen. I’d listen to this narrator read anything! Their voice was so expressive and fitting for the material. The story itself was great, but the narration took it to the next level. Definitely a 5-star experience.
Ship Whip
I've become a loyal fan of audiobooks, and this app is the reason why! ListenBook's compatibility with different formats ensures I never have to worry about file conversions.
Sir Shark
I'm blown away by ListenBook's ability to play diverse formats flawlessly – it's a game-changer. ListenBook's dedication to providing an excellent audiobook experience is evident in its smooth and silky playback. Adjusting playback speed has given me greater control over my audiobook experience. I can optimize my learning and enjoyment by customizing the pacing.
QuantumQuill
The convenience of having an entire library at my fingertips is a dream come true. No more limits on the genres I can explore! This app's versatility in downloading and organizing audiobooks ensures I always have a captivating tale at my fingertips. 📖📱
QuantumQuill
I'm discovering books I wouldn't have considered before, and my reading horizons are expanding. ListenBook is a true audio treasure! It turns my own audio files into immersive listening experiences. Library organization has never been this easy. My audiobook collection is finally tidy. I love the auto-rewind feature. It’s great for when I zone out. The app is perfect for people who love to listen to books while exercising.
Taz Ringer
The absence of synchronization requirements on ListenBook is a breath of fresh air. Thanks to ListenBook, I've rediscovered the joy of exploring my favorite content on multiple devices. Revolutionizing the way I enjoy stories – this app's seamless playback and intuitive controls make it a must-have for every book enthusiast. 📱🎧 Quick access to chapters and smooth playback. Fantastic app! This app is a game-changer for audiobook lovers! The interface is clean and easy to use.
Lumberyard
This app has transformed my long flights into productive and enjoyable experiences. ListenBook's support for a variety of download methods means I can access my content in the way that suits me best. ListenBook's interface is not just aesthetically pleasing; it's also highly functional. Navigating through chapters and controls is a breeze. ListenBook's audio filters have given me the power to tailor my listening experience to my preferences. Looping playback is a game-changer for my study sessions. I can focus on challenging content.
East Army
I can't imagine my day without a dose of literature from this app. 📱 My secret to staying well-read – this app ensures that I'm never without a book, no matter where I am! 📚📱 ListenBook is my go-to companion for immersive audiobook experiences. The ease of use and extensive format support make it a must-have! ListenBook Pro's tone adjustment feature is a playful addition that lets me tweak the audiobook experience. ListenBook is the best audiobook player I’ve ever used. The app is packed with features like customizable skip intervals, playback speed, and sleep timers. The interface is clean and easy to navigate, making it a joy to use. Five stars!
Fire Bite
Listening to audiobooks while cooking has made meal prep much more enjoyable. I've rediscovered the joy of reading through the convenience of audiobooks. ListenBook Pro's noise reduction feature is a fantastic addition that enhances my audio experience. I can't imagine my life without this app – it's my passport to countless stories. Bookmarks are a lifesaver for audiobook lovers. They help me keep track of important moments.
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