Originally published in 1971, Merle Miller'sOn Being Differentis a pioneering and thought-provoking book about being homosexual in the United States. Just two years after the Stonewall riots, Miller wrote a poignant essay for theNew York Times Magazineentitled "What It Means To Be a Homosexual" in response to a homophobic article published inHarper's Magazine. Described as "the most widely read and discussed essay of the decade," the article was developed into the remarkable short bookOn Being Different- one of the earliest memoirs to affirm the importance of coming out.

Merle Miller (1919-1986) was an editor atHarper's Magazine,TimeandThe Nationand was the bestselling author of several books, including the novelA Gay and Melancholy SoundandPlain Speaking, a biography of Harry S Truman.

Dan Savage is the internationally syndicated columnist of 'Savage Love' and the author of several books.
Charles Kaiser is an author, journalist and blogger. His books include1968 in AmericaandThe Gay Metropolis.