Cover of Secret City

Book · 2022 · History

Secret City

The Hidden History of Gay Washington

by James Kirchick · Recommended by 1 person on 2 podcasts

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The journalist James kch is here to discuss his sweeping new book Secret City the hidden history of gay Washington.
John Williams · The Book Review · May 2022 Listen at 0:34

The best things said about it

1 of 3 · every mention
Discussed
Kerchik refers repeatedly to memos and notes from the Washington Post editor Ben Bradlee's papers, including summaries by reporter Scott Armstrong and Ted Gup. These papers are held in institutional archives and have been referenced in other discussions of Secret City.
On the show The Joe Rogan Experience · Apr 2026

Why people recommend it

Secret City by James Kirchick is a sweeping historical investigation into the hidden history of gay Washington and the systematic persecution of homosexual individuals within American government circles over several decades. The host on The Joe Rogan Experience mentioned the book while discussing political scandals and historical rumors, noting how the author referred repeatedly to archived memos and notes from prominent Washington figures and journalists. Additionally, John Williams welcomed journalist James Kirchick on The Book Review to discuss the new book, exploring the deep institutional prejudice and political paranoia that characterized the nation's capital throughout the twentieth century. The work brings to light forgotten stories of courage, blackmail, and resilience, documenting how gay men and women navigated professional and personal survival under hostile political administrations. Through these podcast discussions, the book is highlighted as a crucial contribution to the historical record, shedding light on a dark and heavily concealed chapter of American political culture.

Every mention

3 counted mentions
John Williams the journalist James kch is here to discuss his sweeping new book Secret City the hidden history of gay Was… 2
Discussed
“the journalist James kch is here to discuss his sweeping new book Secret City the hidden history of gay Washington”
Discussed
“James kchk is here his new book is Secret City the hidden history of gay Washington”
Mentioned on the show without a named speaker1
Discussed
“Kerchik refers repeatedly to memos and notes from the Washington Post editor Ben Bradlee's papers, including summaries by reporter Scott Armstrong and Ted Gup. These papers are held in institutional archives and have been referenced in other discussions of Secret City.”
Speaker The Joe Rogan Experience #2488 - James McCann 2026-04-23