Events in Lynnwood WA

In this vibrant new history, Phil Tiemeyer explores the history of men working as flight attendants.

Beginning with the emergence of the profession in the late 1920s and continuing into the post-September 11 era, Plane Queer examines the experiences of men who entered a workplace traditionally associated with women.

Tiemeyer explores the discrimination and challenges these men faced on the job, with particular attention to the intersections of gender, sexuality, and the AIDS epidemic. The book also highlights how this predominantly gay-identified workforce helped create spaces where gay men could come out, find acceptance among colleagues, challenge homophobia and AIDS-related stigma, and advocate for LGBTQ+ civil rights.

Male flight attendants also played an important role in advancing gender equality under the law, contributing to significant developments in civil rights protections—including an expansion of how Title VII of the 1964 Civil Rights Act could protect workers from sex discrimination.

Throughout the history of commercial aviation, male flight attendants helped transform an industry associated with American adventure, technological innovation, and economic power into a space where queer identity, community, and activism could take flight.

A book signing will follow the presentation.