The back cover states: “Liberate” is a well-deserved tribute to those artists, films, songs, and performance venues that restored color and sparkle—sequins, of course—to a country that had spent far too long living in black and white. A homage to that LGBTQ culture which, even in the grayest Spain, managed to make its way by overcoming adversity, dodging censorship, and conquering the mistrust of a society that was still far from tolerant. Through nearly a hundred entries arranged like a dictionary, journalist Valeria Vegas compiles a wealth of essential references—and role models—for understanding the role played by gay men, lesbians, bisexuals, trans women and men, drags, female impersonators, and allies of the community in Spanish culture. A historical journey that begins in the 1960s, with the release of the film “Diferente” and the arrival of Coccinelle on Madrid’s Gran Vía, moves through the turbulent years of the Transición, and reaches the early 21st century, reminding us that just a decade ago there were still territories of freedom left to conquer. In the author’s words, “perhaps this book will help do justice to all those careers forged onstage. Because the history of our LGBTQ culture is still being written, and we must begin by putting in order what has already happened, precisely and reliably, giving all role models the place they deserve. Being aware of our past will allow us to lay the foundations for our future.”