This article examines the effects of Jeffrey Dahmer's serial killings on Milwaukee's lesbian and gay movement. It argues that Dahmer became a symbol of sexuality and homophobia in both the gay and lesbian community and in the larger culture in vastly different ways. Activists had to defend themselves against a wave of personal and political attacks following Dahmer's arrest. These events shaped the nature of gay identity in what activists perceived to be both positive and negative ways. The emergent meanings of gay in turn affected the nature of activism in their community, including the meanings and risks associated with coming out.
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