The GLBTRT has been reviewing books and movies in its newsletter since the early 1990s. Trace the evolution of queer publishing through these historic reviews. This review was originally published in Vol. 3, No. 1 & 2, Fall 1990/Winter 1991.
Willis, Julia. Who Wears the Tux? The Original Great American Dyke Quiz. Banned Books, 1990. Paper. $8.95. ISBN: 0-934411-30-1.
Who Wears the Tux? is one of two lesbian game books recently published, the second one being Lesbian Queries by J. Hertz and M. Ertman. Julia Willis’ set of 101 questions concerning our everyday lives and love situations is marvelously sarcastic, asking biting questions about every little thing from how one would relate to the use of the world “girl” (I swear I only use it among my good friends, both male and female, as a term of endearment) to “Gay Paree,” a short quiz testing our knowledge of those good old days of Garbo, Gertrude, Alice B. and Josephine Baker.
The book is divided into four sections: history, falling in love, staying in love, and the real world. All of the questions are multiple choice with the “correct” answer written upside down on each page. The scoring system is as funny as the questions. Willis also includes amusing illustrations of Victorian ladies, animals, and advertisements.
There is a complete list of all quizzes in the table of contents. Who Wears the Tux? is certain to inspire lively and titillating discussion among groups large or small, in any room of your home. Recommended for public libraries with gay and lesbian collections, women’s studies collections or large and/or diverse humor collections.
Reviewed by Lisa N. Johnston
Sweet Briar College, Virginia
